Mark Birighitti is adamant he has the quality to thrive as Dundee United’s number one.
The Australia international returned to the United starting line-up for Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Motherwell, replacing Carljohan Eriksson between the sticks.
It was Birighitti’s first appearance since shipping 11 goals in two matches against AZ Alkmaar and Hearts back in August.
The former Central Coast Mariners keeper proved unable to stop Sondre Solholm’s winner despite getting a hand to the headed effort.
But Birighitti is unshakable in his belief that he can illustrate his worth at Tannadice.
“Everywhere you go, fans are going to be critical,” said Birighitti. “At the end of the day, it’s up to the individual to perform on the Saturday.
“Confidence has been a bit low — but I believe in my qualities.
“I know I’m good enough to play at this level and kick on.”
The best version
While loath to dwell on the past, Birighitti bluntly admits that “big balls” were required to emerge from the malaise that followed United’s 7-0 Europa Conference League reverse in the Netherlands.
The subsequent 4-1 defeat at Tynecastle was similarly damaging, with Birighitti’s confidence taking a hit.
“I don’t want to harp on about it (AZ Alkmaar defeat) — that’s in the past now, but it felt like on that night everything they had was going in,” reflected Birighitti.
“As an individual, it’s tough. Goalkeeping is a special position and you need big balls to recover.
“The week after, we had Hearts and that (AZ) result was playing in the back of the players’ minds. I could have done better with a couple of my decisions that game, but that’s football.
“I had a bit of time out of the team and I’ve been working hard on my game in different areas; trying to improve and be the best version of myself.”
‘Horrendous’
Providing he retains his position, Birighitti’s next challenge could barely be more onerous: shut out a rampant Celtic side on their own patch.
The Hoops racked up a 9-0 victory when the sides last met, in what proved to be the final nail in Jack Ross’ Tangerines coffin.
Although Eriksson was in goals for United that afternoon, Birighitti reflects: “That’s another horrendous game — that’ll live long in the memory bank.”
However, the Aussie will embrace United’s Mission Improbable.
“We have tightened things up at the back and we’re not giving many opportunities away,” he added. “They’ve got quality all round the park but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.
“We have to be ready for the game. We’ll go there and give it a real hot crack.”
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