Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before this weekend’s Premiership game at Aberdeen.
Here are the key points from his press conference:
Goodwin believes it’s too early to look at the league table even though his newly-promoted side sit in fourth, but says “winning games brings confidence”.
On last weekend’s incredible late comeback win over Hibs, he says: “The players have got that belief within themselves, the spirit in the group, the real togetherness and the never-say-die attitude”.
Aberdeen will be a “really tough challenge” but United are going into the game with “real confidence, positivity and a good bit of momentum”.
He acknowledges Pittodrie will be a “hostile” environment and the former Dons boss joked he is expecting a “warm welcome” on his first time back there.
Goodwin praised Glenn Middleton, saying: “He was a really key player last season in helping us win the league and and he’s played a significant role coming off the bench and making real positive impacts.”
The squad is a bit “stretched” with injuries but Ryan Strain has a “really good chance” of being involved this weekend and that will give the team a “boost”.
Craig Sibbald is recovering from groin surgery and isn’t expected to be fit until the new year but Goodwin says the “staff and the players around him will do everything we can to keep his spirits up”.