The same could be said for the boardroom and among fans, but now the gaffer believes minds are again concentrated on the No. 1 priority.

One plus for him in what ranks as the most difficult period of his management was the vote of confidence he received from his chairman, Bob Brannan, and he is determined to repay that faith with results.

“We had a very difficult September in terms of results and, off the park, things were not easy either, but I think it is now fair to say everyone is pulling in the same direction and concentrating on getting wins, starting this Saturday with Ross County,” he said.

“We are only six points off the top and there is a long way to go, so we know we can get right back up there — and that is the plan.

“The chairman has backed me and, as a manager, that is pleasing to hear. A few weeks ago, I said I was more determined than ever to be successful here and I can tell you nothing has changed on that score.”

And while results plus a dreadful injury list have hit hard, if anything his belief in his squad has never been stronger. “For all the problems we’ve had the players’ commitment has never been in question. The performance they put in at Thistle was exceptional.

“There were boys in the team who shouldn’t have played. Their effort said they’re fighting for our cause.”

Alex even found time to praise fans with whom he’s had a roller-coaster relationship. The team were booed in the defeat against Livingston and there were personal attacks on him, but he’s never doubted the fans’ desire.

“You don’t like to hear boos, but when you have a disappointing result you understand it. The fans here keep coming in big numbers and we appreciate that. When they are right behind the team, it gives us an edge and I’m sure that will be the way on Saturday.”

Alex is hopeful of having more selection options for the weekend and was delighted to hear of Mikael Antoine-Curier’s hat-trick on his Guadeloupe debut.

He was star man in a 7-1 Caribbean Cup thrashing of the Cayman Islands and is in action again against Grenada tonight and Martinique on Wednesday.

“I’ve always said Mikael had goals in him and it is good to see him back among them. That should boost his confidence and, hopefully, they will keep coming.

“He will not be back with us until Friday and I’ll have to assess him, but it could be a case of putting him out there and letting his confidence carry him through.”

Chris Pozniak, an unused sub as Canada lost 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Honduras, is flying back to Canada today to prepare for Wednesday’s clash with Mexico in Edmonton and, like Antoine-Curier, will not be back at Dens until Friday.

Kenneth was excused from training all last week in a bid to clear the niggling knee injury that has been troubling him and didn’t train today, while Kovacevic’s involvement hinges on medical opinion and the mask that’s been made to protect his cracked cheekbone.

“Garry’s had a rest and, hopefully, that will do the trick. We even sent him for a scan last Wednesday just as a precaution, but we do not think there is anything too serious with his knee and, if he can get a few days training, he should be OK,” said Craig.

“With Mihael, we will be guided by what the doc says. The mask should be ready now and it is just a case of when it’s felt it is safe enough for him to play, but at least he should be able to do most of the training.”

With Rangers’ Kyle Lafferty fit and restored to the starting line-up, Feeney did not get on in Northern Ireland’s 2-0 defeat in Slovenia on Saturday evening.

The need for goals against San Marino in Belfast on Wednesday could see him involved, and United are keeping fingers crossed there will be no repeat of last month’s mishap when he picked up an ankle strain against the Czech Republic and was sidelined for several weeks.

“He’ll be coming back on Thursday and we’ll see how he is, but this week he is the only one who is away, so that gives us the chance to put some work in,” added Craig.