St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes has played down the prospect of easing into a top-six spot this weekend with a win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The Clydesdale Bank Premier League new boys will complete the first quarter of the campaign against the Dons and if they pick up three points, and other results go their way, they will climb in to the top half of the table.

McInnes feels that it is too early to read anything into league placings but admits his assessment of his side's performance in the first quarter has been mostly positive.

"If we can jump a few places it will be great but it would take three or four other results to go our way," he said.

"The first quarter can give you an indication of how you are doing but I think it will be the turn of the year before we get a fairer reflection of how things are going.

"However, in terms of performances this season I've been pleased.

"If we can take something from the Aberdeen game then it will be a good solid start to the campaign.

"I had every confidence that my players would perform in this league when we came up and we have acquitted ourselves well, although like every manager I am always looking for more points.

"Aberdeen are a big club and have a good side but it is games like this that we have worked hard to earn the right to play.

"We have got to be positive and hopefully we will get a result."

McInnes will not allow thoughts to stray to Monday, when his side go into the hat along with St Mirren, Hearts and Rangers for the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final draw, although the matches are not scheduled to take place until the new year.

The former Rangers and West Brom midfielder said: "It's something to look forward to but it's a bit bizarre that the semi-final games are so far away.

"It's important that we go into this game against Aberdeen focused, looking for a positive performance and trying to get the points."