“We have a lot of good players in the team and a lot of skill, but so have many other teams in this league.

“The important thing for my players is that they keep working hard. Our ‘success’, if you want to call it that, is built on really hard work.”

Craig’s thoughts are now focused on extending their unbeaten run further when they visit Kilmarnock on Saturday.

“It’s Kilmarnock and Kilmarnock only in our thoughts. We don’t want to take our eye off the ball by thinking of any other games coming up.”

Dundee United will appoint chief executive Stephen Thompson as the club’s new chairman at tomorrow’s board meeting, replacing his late father Eddie.

His mother Cath will take on the role of vice-chairwoman.

BBC will show live coverage of United’s Co-operative Cup semi-final tie with Celtic at Hampden on Wednesday, January 28 (KO 7.45).

“If the players show the same drive and commitment as they did against Airdrie and Dunfermline, then I’m convinced we’ll do well.”

Jocky was happy with the outcome of the closed-door game against Dumbarton earlier in the week, which the Dark Blues won 3-0.

He continued, “The score didn’t matter, but what did was our two central defenders Gary MacKenzie and Jim Lauchlan came through relatively unscathed, although Gary has been experiencing a wee bit tightness.

“Slowly, but surely, we’re starting to make inroads into the injured list, and David Cowan and Paul McHale will start training with the squad on Monday.

“The response from all players has been great and we want to take that into Saturday’s game.”

“Stuart’s been doing great and I’m really pleased with him. He’s been part of a really stable defence,” said Saints’ boss Derek McInnes.

Andy Jackson has seen a specialist about his ankle knock and the medic feels it should now start clearing up.