Dundee United midfielder Blair Spittal is remaining upbeat about the new season despite the heavy defeats in Holland.
Add the results of the matches against Vitesse Arnhem, AZ Alkmaar and FC Utrecht together and you get a 11-1 aggregate score in favour of the Dutchmen.
Young Spittal, though, was one of those who could hold his head up high and he was the player who grabbed United’s solitary goal, banging in a fine strike against AZ on Tuesday.
It has been a tough trip for the Tannadice men but it is still one which Spittal feels was worthwhile.
“We played top opposition and it was difficult but we did show up well in parts,” he said.
“Obviously, we gave too many slack goals away but it is mainly about getting your fitness up.
“We have to try to take as many positives as we can out of the trip and look forward to next Wednesday’s game down at Queens Park Rangers.
“I am glad I got a goal and I am feeling all right overall despite the results.”
The 19-year-old is looking to make an even bigger impact in the campaign to come than he did last season.
He made 16 starts for the Tangerines and scored two goals but is hoping to improve upon that when the real action starts against Aberdeen on August 2.
“This season is a big one for me and I am looking to get more goals and more games,” said the former Queen’s Park player.
“I am looking to really establish myself now.
“Last season was about settling in for most of the young boys and I would say that was the case for me.
“I was sort of in and out of the side.
“Like a lot of the lads, my aim now is to get into the gaffer’s thoughts every week.
“This time I want to do well enough to get picked every time.”
While Spittal can be considered to have been a success story in the Netherlands, others have left Jackie McNamara disappointed and fans can expect to see departures over the coming days.
While he still hopes to make signings Rodney Sneijder and Billy McKay top the list he is also poised to trim the squad.
McNamara said: “We have been trying things out and given everyone a chance on this trip.
“No one can say they haven’t been given an opportunity to play.”