Chris Millar (l) celebrates scoring St Johnstone's second goal

Proud St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes believes his team have come a long way since his Scottish Premier League newcomers lost to Rangers in October.

After Saints had thumped the Ibrox side 4-1, McInnes said: "Earlier in the season we never took our chances, went in 1-1 and lost the game to Rangers.

"We were a lot more intelligent tonight so that for me is real progress," he said of his seventh-placed side.

"The players deserve all the credit in the world for that."

With two games until the Scottish Premier League splits, St Johnstone now sit two points behind sixth-placed Hearts and could yet make the top six in their first season back in the top division.

"All we've done is tried to pull in the team above us," said McInnes, keen to play down his side's chances of leapfrogging the Tynecastle side.

"A result like that can only do us well regardless of where we finish.

"I've been delighted with the players' response and attitude towards playing in this league.

"We deserved that tonight no end and we are pleased to send our supporters home happy. I hope we can use it to finish the season strongly."

St Johnstone were worthy winners, putting four goals past a Rangers side that, prior to kick-off on a wintry night in Perth, had not conceded more than one goal in a league game all season.

Cillian Sheridan's opener for the Saints set the tone, a delightful left-foot volley over the head of the helpless Allan McGregor.

With the league leaders reeling, Chris Millar's deflected shot doubled St Johnstone's lead.

Although Sasa Papac pulled one back for Rangers, it was the home side who added another two, a Liam Craig header diverted into the net by Lee McCulloch and a close-range effort by Murray Davidson with 11 minutes to play.

I can only credit the players for their organisation and their intelligence St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes

McInnes told BBC Scotland: "I felt we were capable of that type of performance. I know tomorrow it will all be about how poor Rangers were but it shouldn't take away from our team's appetite for the game.

"We got a bit of fortune with the second goal but we more than earned that. We were excellent from first to last.

"We wanted to try to be positive. We have set up against Rangers before when we have been reluctant to throw bodies forward and ultimately have had to defend a lot more, but I thought we had a great out ball, we worked the pitch well and used our full-backs well.

"We look a jaded team on Saturday against Hamilton. It just shows you in football you never know what is round the corner. I can only credit the players for their organisation and their intelligence."

McInnes believes the blend of youth and experience at McDiarmid Park is a healthy mix.

"Jody Morris gave an absolute master class tonight. He can perform in any company. He was our wee lynchpin and kept us right. It was a real top performance," he said of the 31-year-old midfielder.

"You've got young Steven Anderson coming back in, who has the pace to play at this level. Playing alongside the likes of Michael Duberry, he can only improve.

"Duberry has a presence, he's an organiser. You can hear him and Jody shouting. We are lucky to have that type of top-class experience, that hunger that they still have, added to the legs and energy around them.

"I hope the team gets the credit it is due. Yes, Rangers dropped their standards, but I know what happens when you beat the Old Firm."

Few witnesses of this match could fail to acknowledge the determination and know-how shown by McInnes's inspirational Saints.

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