And with his team, in an attacking sense at least, giving the support little reason to cheer, the manager admitted he had sympathy for the punters who’d forked out hard-earned cash for the long journey north.

“I felt for the supporters most, because we had a good crowd up there and they made a lot of noise, but they won’t be getting the opportunity to travel to another tie this season,” said Craig.

“All I can really say to them is that when the cups come around again next year, they will be watching an improved Dundee United team.”

One indication of where that improvement will come from was provided by Inverness skipper Darren Dods’ fine display in snuffing out the physical threat of Jon Daly.

Dods will be joining up at Tannadice in the summer and, while he will focus on that once this season’s business has been taken care of, Craig admitted to being impressed by his future employee.

“That’s one to think about later, not now, but Darren Dods gave a very sound defensive performance like he usually does. That’s why we’ve been working to bring him here. I believe he will be an asset.

“I should add that, on Saturday, I thought our back four played well. They did not give away much in the first half and even less in the second — the reason we lost was not down to them.”

In pinpointing why his team are not looking forward to a home tie with cup favourites Celtic in the quarter-final, Craig looked further forward than his rearguard.

“We lost on Saturday because, on the day, our creative players were not at their best and when you go away against a Premierleague team, you will not win if that happens.

“What disappoints me is that, although we know Inverness is a very hard place to go to, we also knew winning was not beyond us, so it is a missed opportunity.”

Looking ahead to the resumption of SPL business at St Mirren this weekend, top scorer Noel Hunt is expected to be fit to make the squad.

Hunt was only sub at Caley and, although he got on, he again felt discomfort from the ankle he injured back in December.

“St Johnstone have just beaten a Premierleague team comprehensively and, with a bit of luck, that would have been the second top-flight team they’d beaten in a week, so that says everything about the form they are in,” he said.

“Quietly, we’ve been going about our business well, too. Saturday was our third clean sheet in a row and I have to say the boys played exceptionally well. That means this Saturday should be a right good game between two teams at the top of their form.”

Reflecting on the 3-0 win at Airdrie United, Alex heaped further praise on two-goal striker Derek Lyle, a man who was sent off inside 10 minutes last time Saints visited Dens Park.

“That’s forgotten about and had more to do with a linesman than anything that happened with Saints players, so I’m sure it will not be an issue for Derek,” added Alex.

“We missed him badly when he was suspended for a few weeks after that red card. He definitely gives us something we miss without him and he was excellent again on Saturday.”

Such has been the form of the team as a whole, that Alex himself does not expect any more than a place on the bench again this weekend. It’s a situation he will not be worried over, if results mean he continues to be a spectator.

“It really does not bother me and it’s a good opportunity to get a look from the sidelines. The boys are playing well and, if that means I’m not getting a game, it is a good thing.”