By Jonathan Sutherland

Copyright bbc

St Johnstone come into this match off the back of a fine 2-0 away win over Raith Rovers.

Adama Sidibeh opened the scoring, but the major excitement has been around winger and attacking midfielder Josh McPake, who scored the second.

The 24-year-old has been a much talked about prospect ever since he emerged from Rangers’ youth ranks.

In recent years he lost his way but now seems to have found a real home at McDiarmid Park, scoring six times in 10 matches. Arbroath midfielder Ryan Flynn says McPake has been a standout this season.

“It’s the player Josh McPake everyone has taken notice of,” Flynn told the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast.

“The style of football they have got, the attacking intent, every game they go into they look to dominate the game.

“They drew with Morton – it was a wonder goal from Eamonn Brophy that got a point for Morton that day. Josh McPake was the outstanding player and running the game.”

That draw and a narrow Premier Sports Cup defeat by Motherwell in extra time are the only blemishes on Saints’ report card so far this season.

Manager Simo Valakari made his attacking style of play known to everyone during St Johnstone’s ill-fated attempt to stay in the Premiership last season.

It may not have worked initially in the top flight, but they have built serious momentum in the second tier.

However, Valakari will know Dunfermline represent a significant threat as they seek to derail their hosts under the Friday night lights.