Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson claims his side never saw themselves as being in a title race.

The Dons went into the winter break three points off top spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership but are now 13 points adrift of leaders Celtic ahead of their trip to face St Johnstone on Saturday.

Ferguson said: “We didn’t ever see it as a title race and wouldn’t get too carried away. Nothing’s really changed and we’re just taking every game as it comes on a Saturday to try and get three points.”

Aberdeen fell further behind last weekend when they were held to a 2-2 home draw by bottom club St Mirren.

Ferguson, who signed a two-year contract extension on Thursday, said: “It was tough on Saturday. St Mirren came up with a game plan and fair play to them. They carried it out really well and it was difficult. We’re part to blame for that performance as we were poor.

“St Johnstone will likely be a similar opponent, as they did that when they won up here in December. They’ll sit in, allow us to have the ball and counter us and will see their chances from set-pieces or counters. We expect a better performance for ourselves.”