Dundee United may have been receiving widespread praise this season for their attacking flair but boss Jackie McNamara says he is just as pleased with their defensive tightness.
The Tangerines have only conceded nine goals so far in the league, with keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak and the back four posting four clean sheets in their last six Premiership games.
The manager believes they have not received the credit they deserve for their efforts. However, McNamara insists that United defend as a team and everyone from front to back should be applauded for the miserly rearguard record.
“I think we have looked solid ever since we started back. Even in games we have lost, it has been by the odd goal and we have never been cut open,” said McNamara.
“Rado has been in good form pulling off fantastic saves. The back four have also done well and even although we have changed things around, the ones who have come in have held the line really well.
“Allied with the two midfielders, Paul Paton and John Rankin, who have been outstanding for us, it has been very much a team effort in terms of defence and attack.
“The defence maybe haven’t had the credit they deserve but it is like everything else, we will see where we are at the end of the season.
“We always look like we are capable of scoring goals and it is important we carry that threat. But if we can continue with that solid defence and keep clean sheets it will hold us in good stead.”
McNamara admitted he was disappointed that United didn’t have a game last weekend because of the international break as he was keen to see his players capitalise on the momentum generated by their impressive 4-0 win at Motherwell last time out.
However, he is confident the Tangerines can take up from where they left off when they entertain Partick Thistle at Tannadice on Saturday.
He said: “I think we are progressing. Everyone is pushing each other now and you can see they are confident and playing with freedom.
“We look good on our day and are capable of beating anybody.
“We were disappointed that we didn’t have a game last Saturday to keep the momentum going.
“Hopefully, though there will be no difference when we play Partick this weekend and we can keep the same level of performance up.”
Meanwhile, Ryan Gauld and Andy Robertson have reported back from Scotland Under-21 duty fit and well.
McNamara, who also expressed his delight at Stuart Armstrong’s call-up to the senior Scotland squad for Tuesday night’s game in Norway, added: “The rest of the boys had a few days off last week. They had played a good few games in succession recently and had worked hard.
“Their fitness is very good as well so I don’t have to worry about giving them days off. The lads who were away with the Under-21s have come back fit and well which is good.”