His team looked down and were even in danger of going out as the Buddies struck back with two goals in four minutes to level the tie with 10 minutes left.

That disappointed the gaffer, but the resilience shown in grabbing the dramatic third goal pleased him.

“I would not say I felt comfortable right at the end, but I think it would have been a travesty if we hadn’t won and it says something about their character that they could recover from losing the lead,” said Craig.

“I did think we were comfortable at 2-0 with Barry Robson on the pitch and, when he had to come off injured, we lost a lot.”

Robson was forced off with a groin injury after an Andy Millen tackle and, with the veteran Buddie already substituted, there were angry words in the technical area as the United skipper limped to the bench. His boss defended that reaction.

“I can understand why he was not pleased. He has a bad graze that was caused by studs right at the top of the groin area and it must have been a very big ball for anyone to have to put in a tackle on him that high.”

Craig was also delighted with the debut of 17-year-old Keith Watson at right-back, particularly as the last six months have seen him involved in barely any action.

“He was nervous for 10 minutes and tired towards the end, but what people won’t realise about Keith Watson is that he has only had two 20-minute spells in the last six months and the last of them was early December.

“He had a problem with his kneecap, something to do with the alignment, and it took a lot of rest to clear — I think the fact he is still growing had something to do with it.

“He is one who will do well, though, and I was pleased with the way he played.”

Watson will drop out on Saturday to make way for Sean Dillon, who was ineligible last night, and there is still a chance Craig will secure the centre-half he wants by then — a loan deal to cover until Darren Dods’ likely summer arrival is possible.

An experienced goalkeeper to increase competition for Derek Stillie could also be in the manager’s sights and Hearts No. 2 Steve Banks has been linked.

And, while admitting his side have to do better defensively, he commended their fighting spirit.

“When you score three goals away from home, you expect to go through,” said Alex.

“The guys showed great character to fight back, but, when it boils down to penalties, it’s purely pot luck.”

Alex will now try to lift his men for Saturday’s Dens league encounter against their cup conquerors QOS, and has vowed they will concentrate all their efforts on attaining a high finish in the table.

There is also likely to be a freshness in the Dark Blues line-up, with new signings Paul McHale, Kevin Smith and Bob Davidson all coming into contention.

“The guys are off today and when they come back in tomorrow we’ll get them lifted up.

“It’s very disappointing we are out of the cup, but we just have to dust ourselves down and get it on with it.

“We must get last night’s defeat out of our system and try to climb up the table as much as possible.”

Meanwhile, Dundee have announced that Callum Macdonald and Graham Hay have been released from their contracts. Macdonald, who has recently been on loan at Peterhead, has joined The Blue Toon on a permanent deal.

Former Dundee midfield man Neil Barrett is expected to sign for Woking today. Another ex-Dens Park man, Tom Hutchinson, is already on the Conference side’s books.

“The damage was on the surface of the knee and the surgeon who operated on Steven in London has tidied things up and that should sort the problem,” said Saints’ team boss Owen Coyle.

Peter MacDonald is likely to continue up front in Steven’s absence and there are also places in the squad for teenage forwards Steven Doris and Andy Jackson.

Goran Stanic, who sustained a leg knock against Livingston, is OK and Martin Hardie and Jason Scotland, who were doubtful due to injury for the Livingston game but played, have suffered no reaction and will be in their usual places.

Kevin James, who has been out injured for several weeks, has resumed light training.

“This is another tough game and, as Ayr are underdogs, they have nothing to lose,” Owen added.

“Somerset Park is a ground I have personally done well at, so here’s hoping that continues tonight.”

The winners are away to Falkirk and, should Saints get through, Owen, plus Kevin James and Andy Lawrie, will be pitted against a club they gave great service to.

But Saints’ eyes are only on tonight’s game against The Honest Men.