Barry Douglas believes now is the time for Dundee United to stop under-achieving.
The Tannadice full-back will travel the road and the miles to Perth on Monday night for what is a must-win game against St Johnstone if the Tangerines are to retain a realistic hope of finishing in the SPL’s top six.
Results have not been up to scratch for seventh-placed United, according to Douglas, and he is itching to put that right.
“I think we should be way higher up the table than we actually are,” he said. “When you look at the individuals we have in our team we are up there with the best in the SPL. Unfortunately, though, it has just not happened. I think we owe it to ourselves to kick on now.
“We should, ideally, be in the top six but results have not gone our way, There is no room for error and we need two wins out of two against St Johnstone and Aberdeeen before the split. Anything less would put us in jeopardy of not making it. That is what we will be aiming for and hopefully we can get it.
“I think the only team that can beat us is ourselves. It is in our hands I feel because if we get two wins we should do it. If we don’t then we won’t have anyone to blame but ourselves. We just need that little bit extra. We need to click and, if we do, it could still be a really good finish to the season.
“As well as the league we still have a massive Scottish Cup semi-final to come against Celtic and the chance to play at Hampden again. So it’s all to play for.”
Douglas has his own personal reason to turn on the style for United in these closing stages of the campaign. He has a new contract to earn and will be doing everything to persuade manager Jackie McNamara to offer him a fresh deal in the summer.
“I have been happy with my own form,” said the former Queen’s Park player. “I am coming out of contract in the summer so there is an incentive there to impress the manager but I also really want to do well for the team at an important time of the season.
“I am feeling really confident and enjoying my football. I think it’s the best I have felt, to be honest. I am doing well and getting assists so that’s great.
“I feel I have improved under the new manager. He played full-back during his career so he knows my position. Wee bits of advice and tips here and there have made a difference to me. My all-round game has gotten better as a result. Training has also been great and there is a good feeling about the place.”