After the impressive attacking display in midweek, Simon Murray knows he faces a battle to get back in the Dundee United starting line-up.
That suits the striker just fine because if there’s one thing he’s been used to in his senior career it’s a challenge.
When the Dundonian stepped up from the junior ranks to Arbroath, people questioned if he’d make the grade.
And when he switched from Gayfield to Tannadice in January last year, the same was asked.
Nine goals in his last 11 competitive games provides a pretty emphatic answer to that second asking of the question.
So, even if he has to be content with a place on the bench when United head for Dumbarton on Championship duty today, Murray is confident he’s up to the challenge.
“I am. The boys played well the other night. Tope (Obadeyi) was up front and did well and Cammy (Smith) got a great hat-trick, so we were all delighted,” he said.
“But I feel I’ve done well too this season. I scored four goals in the first five games, so I know I can do a job.”
The 24-year-old is also quick to emphasise, with United under Ray McKinnon, it’s all about the collective good. What’s best for the group is what matters most.
“It’s about the team. It’s going to be a hard season and the gaffer wants to see what we all can do because everyone is going to play their part.
“I’ve had a lot of game time already and, before Partick on Tuesday, the gaffer said everyone’s had to have a seat on the side and it was my turn then.
“He wanted to see if he could change it round if he has to and the boys showed he can. And, for me, you want competition. It makes you a better player, so it can only be a good thing.”
Murray also admits so far under McKinnon it’s been a happier dressing-room at United.
The gloomy mood of last season seems long gone, though he does add the atmosphere was lifted a bit in the final week or so of that campaign.
“I think especially for the people who knew they were going to be staying, the couple of good results we had right at the end of last season helped us.
“I scored a few goals and, with the new manager watching, it gave me a lift and got me looking forward to this season.
“The feeling around the club right now is very positive. We just have to start picking up a few points in the league.
“We know that’s not going to be easy. The results in the League Cup this week showed that. Ourselves, Morton and Queen of the South got very good victories against more fancied teams.”
Today the key to success will be maintaining the good form shown in that 3-1 win over Partick. Murray predicts United will.
“At Dumbarton we have to start well because that’s what cost us against Queen of the South last week.
“We need to be at it right from the off and have the same mentality as we had against Partick. They are a Premiership team and we have to treat Dumbarton exactly the same way.”
United’s cause today will be helped by a support that’s long since snapped up all 800 available away tickets.
Murray admits winning for them is as good a reason as any.
“The fans have been unreal. Last week was the third-highest attendance in the country.
“You want to do well for yourself and your team but there’s no club without these fans and we want to do well for them because they deserve it.”
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