Dundee boss Jocky Scott has told his players it’s up to them to silence their critics by putting together the results required to win promotion.
The Dark Blues were given a hard time by their fans during and following the weekend cup defeat by Raith Rovers.
But Scott has told his charges they can’t allow criticism to undermine their title challenge.
“It still hurts that we’re no longer in the Scottish Cup but that’s gone now and we just have to pick ourselves up,” he said.
“What’s required is for the players to show a lot of character, determination, resilience, commitment and desire if they want that big prize.
“They are all disappointed. But they have to stand up and be counted.
“The pressure when you are out in front in a title race is always that bit greater than if you are tucked in behind. You are there to be shot at.
“And if you lose and other teams close up then the fans become agitated and the pressure builds. But this is just something our players have to overcome and keep trying to do what they are supposed to do.”
While Scott would prefer Dundee’s fans were universally supportive he insists his players just have to cope with any stick that comes their way.
“The Dundee fans haven’t changed since I played.
“If you aren’t ahead in games and are giving the ball away they boo you and get after individuals.
“You either accept that and get on with your job or you let it bother you and affect what you are meant to be doing,” he said.
“Our supporters aren’t the only ones who can be critical.
“And to be fair to them, as they showed against Inverness, if you go about it the right way, start winning tackles and demonstrate your desire to get something from the game then they’ll get behind you.
“Craig Forysth maybe epitomises what I am looking for from the player.
“Fozzy being a young boy is an easy target for people to give stick to.
“But he keeps on working, trying to get on the ball.
“Prior to a ball being kicked this season I did not envisage Craig playing as much as he has and doing as well as he has.”
“It’s his first season at this level let’s not forget.
“But he’s showed he has the character to handle everything that is thrown at him — and the more senior ones should be able to handle that sort of thing even better than he does.”
Scott will field a different starting line-up against Ayr in the league tomorrow.
He had planned to do that before facing Raith.
The nature of that defeat though may prompt him to make greater use of the axe.
“I envisage making changes from game to game now because matches are coming thick and fast,” he said.
“For Wednesday it’s just a question of whether I make wholesale or limited changes. My initial reaction to Saturday was to make a lot — but we’ll see.”