Rather than looking back, however, today he was focusing on a tie he believes has the potential to be a lot tougher than it looks on paper.

“Cowdenbeath have started the season very well and if memory serves me they have lost just one game so far,” he said.

“They are top of their league and going well. We have to be aware of that and make sure our approach is right for this one.”

What that means is Craig will be looking for a repeat of what he got in the first half of Saturday’s draw at Motherwell — but absolutely not what was served up in the second.

“I thought we were the better team first half and, on chances, probably should have gone in at the break ahead,” he added.

“What happened in the second, I can’t quite put my finger on, but we were not good enough and we have to make sure that does not happen tomorrow.”

By the final whistle, United had goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska to thank for their share of the spoils and Craig believes the Pole’s display was another sign he’s emerging as a top performer.

“Lukasz had a very good game and he is coming on.

“His penalty save was a crucial moment in the game and it should give him a lot of confidence.”

United have no serious injury problems going into tomorrow and wide man Craig Conway is set to return to the squad after missing out at the weekend through illness.

“We are first and second in the league, so we have both started well, but it is way too early in the season to be giving this extra significance,” he said.

“If this was three-quarters of the way through the season and we were still the top two, then you would say things like the team that won might get an edge in the league, but not when it’s August.”

What Alex does believe is that this could be the tie of the second round.

“The Premier clubs are in now, so there are a few interesting games, but a meeting between two teams who are going well in the same league makes our tie one of the more appealing ones.

“Thistle will also bring a decent support, so I think the atmosphere will be good and it should be a good game.”

After Saturday’s win over Morton, there are no fresh injury worries and Alex expects to have the same squad to choose from.

Injured trio Jim Lauchlan, Colin Cameron and Darren Young will attempt to step up their work over the next few days and there is a chance they could see some action next week.

“With the cup-tie, it will not be this week, but I am looking to arrange a game for the middle of next week. Craig McKeown will be involved and I am hoping at least some of the other three will be as well,” explained the manager.

Returning to tomorrow, the clubs have agreed on reduced gate prices — £12 adults, £6 concessions. Season tickets are not valid.