A rare half-time blast from Csaba Laszlo on Saturday did the trick as Dundee United booked a Scottish Cup trip to old foes Aberdeen.
Normally calm in the dressing-room, despite his team going one up just seconds before the break through a Mark Durnan header, Csaba let his players know a lacklustre first 45 minutes was not good enough.
It did the trick, as a much-improved United coasted to fourth-round victory in the second period, Dane Emil Lyng adding a second goal.
“I was very loud in the dressing-room at half-time. It was very simple — this was the difference between the first half and the second half.
“They understood I wanted to see spirit. The jersey doesn’t win the game, the men win the game.
“We went out and did a little bit more and after the game I was not loud.
“It was a completely different two halves and I think we deserved to go through and I was happy in the second half.”
Csaba was also pleased with the performances of new Danish attackers, Lyng and Thomas Mikkelsen, who on Friday returned to Tannadice on a loan deal from Ross County.
“Emil Lyng, I think he played a good game. He has to now work on his fitness but he will do well for us.
“Thomas Mikkelsen, I think he gave us what we need. He is somebody who can keep the ball and he works a lot for the team.
“You also saw a young player in Idris Kadded, who showed that he also wants to be involved in the coming games.”
Another plus for United was the return of full-back Stewart Murdoch after over a month out with a hip problem.
He was a late substitute and having him back will increase the manager’s selection options.
“We have had Willo Flood at right-back but now we have Stewart Murdoch again, we can move him back in the middle of the pitch,” he added.
United now face two big Championship games against Morton and Inverness Caley Thistle before they’ll head to the Granite City to face the Dons.
Right now that tie is scheduled for Saturday, February 10 at 3pm but the prospect of a first New Firm derby for two seasons could see it switched for live television coverage.
Defender Tam Scobbie missed Saturday’s tie after picking up an injury in training. He’s likely to miss this weekend’s game.
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