“I’m expecting the boys to be buzzing in training this week — if you are not up after a performance and result like that there is something wrong with you,” he said today.

“What we’ve got to do is make sure we keep to that standard because it would be a sin not to follow this up with a good run. We’ve shown what we are capable of and we must keep doing it.”

And, for all Alex had been stressing his team had such a display in them if he could get all his experienced men fit and available at the same time, today it was two kids who were singled out for praise.

“I thought big Kevin McDonald was immense on Saturday. We started with him on the right of a narrow three in midfield because we had three up front and, when they changed their system at half-time, we moved him out wide and he did very well.

“Part of the reason he was able to cause them so many problems going forward was because of the work Scott Robertson did in the middle.

“His tackling and use of the simple pass was excellent and I enjoyed seeing it.

“He is the right type and wants to learn and when you see a player like that pick up on the things you’ve been working on it is very pleasing.”

Another plus for the player-boss was seeing his squad come through on Saturday almost completely unscathed.

Striker Gavin Swankie had to come off in the second half with a tight calf, but his condition is not causing too much concern.

Alex’s attempts to strengthen his squad further will continue this week. Tomorrow should see the arrival of the Argentinian trialist he’s been working to bring over.

New man von Stryck took part in training today just hours after completing an overnight journey from Africa.

The 27-year-old has only played in his homeland, but has a German passport through his parentage and would not require a work permit.

After looking at trialists from Morocco, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and now Namibia, in the last month or so, Congo international Matingou looks likeliest to become the first to sign.

He impressed during a trial last month, but headed back to mainland Europe when it emerged he had not obtained his release from French outfit Bastia.

That has now been secured and the 26-year-old is being pencilled in for a place against St Mirren reserves at Station Park, Forfar tomorrow. A good performance in that is likely to see the manager move swiftly to fix him up.

It is not clear yet if von Stryck will be involved in that game because another trialist, French midfielder Xavier Barrau was also arriving today and could play — only two trialists can play in a game.

Zimbabwean attacker Brian Badza definitely will not play after picking up a knock in training on Friday.

And unless he can get a game under his belt, Craig won’t consider signing him.

“I’ve been impressed with some of what I’ve seen from him in training, but I would not make a final judgement without seeing him in a game,” explained Craig.

After defeat at the hands of Hibs, Craig will be looking for a return to form against another of his former clubs, Inverness CT, in the Highlands on Saturday.

His squad will be boosted by the return from suspension of Barry Robson, though the gaffer felt his deputy against the Hibees, Craig Conway, was one of the successes in a disappointing afternoon.

Meanwhile, Saints team boss Owen Coyle praised his side’s fans for their vocal support against Partick.