The 53-year-old former Finland midfielder, who spent four years at Motherwell as a player, led Saints straight back to promotion last season following relegation in 2025.

Valakari, appointed as Craig Levein’s successor in 2024, has guided his side up to fifth in the table after last week’s win at Aberdeen and they face Dundee United at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.

He told a press conference: “I’m enjoying it, but it’s a tough life, you know. Every match, it’s so tough. But as I said, we worked so hard to get back here and it would be stupid not to enjoy it.

(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

“We are enjoying it but at the same time, we are very realistic, very humble, knowing how tough it is, and that’s why every match for us it’s like our unique opportunity to show ourselves.

“(To) show what kind of club we are, what kind of team we are, and so far our players have been very good.”

Valakari’s defensive options will be boosted on Sunday by the return of Cheick Diabate from suspension, while Croatian centre-back Bozo Mikulic made his first appearance in eight months as a late substitute at Aberdeen after long-term injury.