Manager Steve Lomas is eager for a response from his St Johnstone side in Tuesday night's clash with Aberdeen after describing Saturday's loss to Motherwell as "a reality check".
Saints are fourth in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and missed the opportunity to move within a point of Well by losing 3-0 to the Steelmen at McDiarmid Park.
Lomas believes his first defeat will temper excitement generated in Perth by Saints' strong start to the season, but is happy his side have the opportunity to swiftly make amends, saying: "It was a disappointment, but to get a game so soon is good to get it out of your system."
He added: "I know the lads were disappointed with how it went against Motherwell, but sometimes you just have to take it on the chin.
"Maybe it was the little reality check that everybody needed in terms of getting slightly carried away with third place and stuff like that.
"It's a great opportunity to bounce back and that's really what it's all about.
"It won't be easy against an Aberdeen team fighting for their lives, with two good men in charge in Craig Brown and Archie Knox. It'll be a tough game."
Tuesday's game is St Johnstone's third of six fixtures scheduled for December.
Injuries have hit Saints at a challenging time, with captain Jody Morris (hamstring), defender Frazer Wright (thigh) and striker Cillian Sheridan (hamstring) all out.
Striker Francisco Sandaza could return from a thigh injury against the Dons after missing the last two games, while midfielder Kevin Moon missed the Well loss through illness and is again a doubt.
