He has a 100% record since taking over as Dundee boss, but Paul Hartley insists he and his players will definitely not be resting on their laurels.
The new Dens manager led his side to their second successive victory on Saturday, beating 10-man Queen of the South 1-0 at Palmerston.
However, Hartley has stressed that while he is delighted with the work and application of his squad since he was drafted in to replace John Brown there is still plenty to work on ahead of this weekend’s clash with Cowdenbeath.
The manager said: “We can definitely play a lot better and there’s loads of room for improvement. There are things we did well and some things we need to work on.
“They’re in bad habits in terms of keeping the ball better in the last quarter of the game when you’ve got a man advantage. We’ve spoken to them about the things we can improve.
“There have been loads of positives since we took over and it’s just trying to get into the way I work. It will take a wee bit of time but, in terms of attitude, the boys have been brilliant.
“I keep putting my point across and it’s about getting them to play the way I want them to at critical stages of the game. At 1-0, the opposition have always got a chance.”
Dundee’s second successive victory since Hartley took over also saw his players record another clean sheet. And that miserly defending is something he is determined will continue.
Hartley said: “By all accounts we’ve not had a very good record at Palmerston in past seasons.
“It’s a tough venue, so to get three points down there at this stage of the season was really pleasing. It’s something we’ve got to instil, which is a clean sheet mentality.
“If you keep a clean sheet it’s half the battle. That’s something we’ve got to get into the players’ heads.
“Our keeper had a very comfortable afternoon and when he was called upon he did everything that was asked of him.”
Martin Boyle has been handed a start in the last two games and has repaid his manager’s faith with sparkling performances.
The striker netted against Hamilton last week at Dens and his lightning pace has directly led to three players being sent off for early baths because of mistimed challenges.
Boyle could have had even more goals to his name, but has spurned a host of chances.
However, his manager is confident the player will soon get the fitting reward all his hard work deserves.
Hartley said: “Boyle will always find the space. We’re working on him getting into those positions.
“His confidence is fine. It’s just that final thing in the final third. He had three good chances on Saturday against Queen of the South.
“The reason he gets in there is because of his pace and if he misses a chance, then forget it. If you look at all the good strikers they all miss chances.
“He’s been terrific for the last two games and had three men sent off. He wants to learn and he will definitely get better.”
Hartley should soon have a selection headache or two with Iain Davidson and Nicky Reilly stepping up their comebacks from injury.
The manager added: “They looked good in training today and hopefully they will soon be ready to come back into the squad.”