Dundee manager Barry Smith had every right to be proud of the way his players went toe to toe with Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup.
They all matched their opponents in terms of possession and use of the ball both in the original fourth-round tie at Dens Park and the replay at Rugby Park.
They lost 2-1 at the Ayrshire stadium on Tuesday night but the Dark Blues still came out with plenty of plaudits.
Now Smith is hoping they keep that standard up when the travel to Firhill on Saturday to face Partick Thistle in the league.
He said: ”I was happy with the way we performed over the two games. It wasn’t a case of a division one team raising their game for a cup tie we did it over two matches. I think we showed we can compete with teams at that level.”
He added: ”We can take confidence from it but it has gone now and the big thing for me is how we kick on from here. There is no point doing well against an SPL team then falling flat on your face against Partick Thistle.
”We have been in good form in the league and I want to keep that going.”
Smith took time out to offer encouragement to the players who have come into his first team when required and done a fine job. He reassured them there will be plenty of opportunities to play between now and the end of the season.
Smith said: ”It is a squad game and even the guys who have not played a lot have had a big impact when they have been called upon. Their attitude has been spot on.”
He added: ”When the likes of Jamie McCluskey, Ross Chisholm, Jake Hyde and Graham Bayne have been asked to come into the team they have all done well. We also have Rhys Weston, too, who has been out of the team after getting injured.
”This is the time of year when you pick up injuries and suspensions, so everyone will be needed.”
One man who won’t feature against the Jags is winger Nicky Riley, who is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.