Simo Valakari stressed the importance of St Johnstone bouncing back after a run of three straight defeats.

The former Finland international started his reign with back-to-back wins over Ross County and Dundee, but a trio of losses against St Mirren, Hearts and Motherwell have followed.

Now the head coach is eyeing a response when his side welcome Kilmarnock next Saturday.

“How quickly football can change,” Valakari told Saints TV.

“We could have got something out of those games we lost, but we didn’t and that’s the reality of where we are.

“We really need to bounce back in front of our home fans [next week] and be ready for that match.”

Off the pitch, Valakari says it has been “easy to settle” at the Perth club following his arrival last month.

And the Saints boss also hailed the way in which his players have responded the methods he is aiming to implement.

“The players have been very, very open,” he added. “It’s not an easy way to play, but the football needs to be fun.”