“We are all disappointed to go out, especially as I thought we had the best chances,” said Alex.

“Mickael (Antoine-Curier) had the ball in the net in the first half and had a decent chance in the second, and I think, from open play, they created only one chance in 90 minutes

“I felt their first goal was a bit of a fluke, but when we equalised, I thought we were definitely on the front foot.

“But we’ve been caught on the counter-attack and a bit of bad defending has cost us. We know how stuffy teams can be at Dens, but we still look relatively solid at the back, so we have to keep things in perspective.

“We are still top of the league and now we have to dig in for what will be a tough game at the weekend at Dumfries.

“If we can win that one, it would give us a great foundation going into the international break.”

Defender Gary MacKenzie took a knock in the first half last night, but, like one or two others suffering from bumps and bruises, should be OK for the weekend.

He said, “Some lads needed games and I felt it was a chance to give some of the fringe men an opportunity to show what they can do.

“They showed a great attitude and hunger, and worked their socks off throughout.

“Daly and Goodwillie’s performance puts pressure on the lads who had the jerseys.

“I’m not saying they’ll play at the weekend, because I’ll pick the best team that’s suited to the job, but it’s a wee reminder to guys like Warren Feeney and Roy O’Donovan that they need to keep performing.”

Feeney, meanwhile, has been named in Northern Ireland’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and the Czech Republic next month.

Garry Kenneth and David Robertson are included in Billy Stark’s Scotland Under-21 squad for games against Slovenia and Denmark.

Defender Keith Watson, meanwhile, is set for a reserve outing tonight against Celtic at Station Park, Forfar (KO 7.30).

The United boss, however, was missing that one, heading further up the A90 to Brechin, where Saturday’s opponents Kilmarnock are Co-Op Cup guests.

“David has worked hard during his time with us and will go with our best wishes,” said Saints boss Derek McInnes.

Meanwhile, Paul Sheerin is a doubt for Saturday’s home league game against Clyde. He was taken off with a leg knock against Livingston last night and, although he’ll receive intensive treatment, he may not fully recover in time.

Derek Holmes suffered a head knock against Livi, but there’s no concussion and he should be OK to face the Bully Wee.

The 17-year-old has competed in events since joining the Discovery Junior Cycling Club about three years ago — his most recent achievements were gold, silver and bronze awards at the British Cycling Junior and Youth Championships in Wales.

Kevin said, “I received the invite only on Monday and it means so much to me to go along to such a big event.

“I aspire to get to the same stage as Hoy, and it will be good to see him and the medals — it’s a big boost for someone like me to keep me going and see what I could also achieve in the sport.”

Track cyclist Hoy (32) was the first Briton for 100 years to win three golds at a single Olympics — becoming Scotland’s greatest Olympian in the process. He also won a gold at the Athens Games in 2004.