Dundee United still have a lot of work to do before they can think about the title despite opening up a double-digit lead.
That is the opinion of midfielder Sam Stanton ahead of today’s tough-looking trip to Arbroath.
The Tangerines moved 10 points clear at the top of the Championship thanks to their battling 2-1 win away to Morton on Tuesday night.
That has left their odds as short as 1-5 on at the bookies to be champions at the end of the season.
You will travel far and wide before finding anyone who will predict a collapse by Robbie Neilson’s men and little wonder.
They go to Gayfield on the back of seven successive victories and have 20-goal Lawrence Shankland back fit again.
That doesn’t mean, though, that the players are taking anything for granted. It’s quite the opposite in fact.
Asked if it was premature to say the title is heading to Tannadice, Stanton replied: “Yes, I would say it is because we are not even halfway through the season.
“It is absolutely about going from game to game – that’s what we have been focusing on for a long time now.
“Obviously, it’s a nice lead to have but we only have it because we have focused on what’s in front of us.
“We have just been looking to win our next game and I think that is the mentality we need to have for the entire season.
“The gaffer is good at keeping us grounded.
“He is very good tactically and gives us a lot of information through the week about to play against the opposition players.
“As players ourselves, you don’t get to see the other sides so it’s good to be brought up to speed because it gets you focused very quickly on the next match.”
Just as United have kicked on, so has Stanton.
After the 4-1 defeat down at Queen of the South on October 19, he didn’t start a match until the next game against the Doonhamers at Tannadice on November 16.
Stanton was both a used and unused sub but has started the last three fixtures.
He said: “I started the season really well and then the team had a wee bit of a dip and that coincided with one for myself.
“I went out of the picture following those losses (away to Alloa and Queens) but it has been good to get my place back in the team and to find some form again.”
United boss Neilson has spoken off previous winter wobbles that have derailed previous title bids but Stanton insists confidence is so high at the club that the issue hasn’t been raised in the dressing room.
He added: “That is not something that the players have really thought about.
“We may have had a wobble over those periods but it doesn’t prey on your mind.
“It is about what is happening now and there are plenty of positive things to focus on.
“On Tuesday night, we won at a place where the team has struggled in the past.
“Morton had a good home record, too, so that was a big result for us.
“It was an excellent night and sets us up for the trip to Arbroath.
“That is another really difficult challenge for us because they really deserve praise for what they have achieved so far.
“We know how big a test it will be for us.”
Stanton, who is the latest United player to reach the milestone of 100 appearances, revealed he will break new ground by going to Gayfield.
He said: “I have never played at Arbroath before. This will be my first time.
“I have heard plenty about it and I know it can be windy so we’ll see what happens down there.”
Meanwhile, United will have Paul McMullan available after he missed out against Morton because of a groin injury, while Peter Pawlett remains on the sidelines.
