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Valakari on 'suffering moments', home debut & Hearts quality

Simo Valakari
[SNS]

Simo Valakari has been speaking to the media before St Johnstone's fixture against Hearts in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the key lines from his press conference:

  • Saints "have recovered very well mentally and physically" from their 3-1 midweek defeat against St Mirren.

  • Valakari wants his side to "make those suffering moments" short as he talks about the pressure they were under on Wednesday night.

  • He is keen to see more "bravery" from his team but likes the the "work ethic" of the players and staff.

  • Hearts' visit will be Valakari's first home match in charge and he is looking forward to "playing the beautiful game in front of our own fans".

  • On the "great" Saints support, he says: "It's our job as a team to give them joy, give them emotions, give them enjoyment to watch their own team to play at their home stadium."

  • Despite Hearts being bottom of the table, Valakari says they're a "very good footballing team", who have "quality" and will be looking to "kickstart their season".

  • Andre Raymond is "touch and go", but everyone else "is fit".