Adding to their disappointment was Saturday’s cup exit at the hands of Raith Rovers in front of an expectant home support at Dens.

However, despite their dip in form, Dundee still find themselves in a position others would rather be — at the top of the league.

The manager accepts that, but acknowledges that, if his side are to achieve their No. 1 goal, they have to start playing like prospective champions.

“We know it’s in our own hands. If we want to win the title, then we’ve got to start playing like a team that wants to win the title — it’s as simple as that,” said Jocky

“We’ve got a big two-and-a-half weeks coming up when we play five games which takes us up to the end of the month.

“There could be lots of changes, and I’m not just talking about for ourselves, because everybody is going to be playing each other.”

First up is a trip to Ayr tomorrow night and Jocky has been drumming home to his men the importance of getting off to a flying start at Somerset Park.

He continued, “We’ve got to start imposing ourselves.

“We’ve allowed teams to get at us and to get the first goal, which has meant we’ve had to fight back and, in this league, that makes things very difficult.

“Ayr are on a decent run and, I keep repeating myself, but they are all difficult games in this division.

“We’ve got to match them effort-wise and make sure we stand up to them from the first whistle.”

Following the recent poor displays, changes will be made to the starting XI., and, with a healthy squad at his disposal, the manager has several options available.

“It’s just a question of whether I make wholesale or limited changes. My initial reaction on Saturday was to make a lot, but we’ll see.”

The injury, which has still to be diagnosed, will see the striker miss Saturday’s SPL clash against Aberdeen at Pittodrie and also next week’s cup replay date with the Gers.

However, Peter is confident he has enough striking options at his disposal to cover the 21-year-old’s absence.

He said, “We’re still finding out if it’s a pull or a tear, but the likelihood is Damian will be out for two weeks at least.

“The one good thing is we’ve got options up front to replace him in the time that he’s out.”

Those options include David Goodwillie, Jon Daly, Andis Shala, who scored in the draw at Ibrox, and Francisco Sandaza, who is getting ever closer to full fitness and featured as a substitute at the weekend.

The Spaniard also played for 45 minutes yesterday as United beat Swedish touring outfit Ostersunds 4-2 at St Andrews.

On the scoresheet for the Tangerines were Kevin Smith, David Robertson, Jordan Elfverson and Jennison Myrie Williams, while young defender Keith Watson played the full game.

Meanwhile, Blackpool boss Ian Holloway fears he may have been priced out of a move for Garry Kenneth.

The Championship side had two bids for the towering defender rejected in January. Since then, the 22-year-old Dundonian has gone on to gain international recognition, being included in Craig Levein’s Scotland squad for the recent friendly against the Czech Republic.

And Holloway feels Kenneth’s international call-up will have increased his profile and, undoubtedly, added to his value.

“My chances of landing Garry have been scuppered. His transfer value will be too high for us,” said Holloway.

United and Rangers have agreed to reduce prices for next Wednesday’s Scottish Cup replay at Tannadice.

Tickets for the game went on sale today, priced £16 for adults, £6 students/over 60s and £4 for under 18s.

As well as the home support, United will be selling tickets to Rangers fans for their end of the stadium.

The Perth men took over 1000 fans to Falkirk on Saturday and they cheered their team on to a 2-1 win.

And they’re looking for similar backing tonight, as manager Derek McInnes pointed out.

“It’s up to the team to give the fans something to shout about — and up to the fans to get behind the team. Both need each other,” said Derek.

“The players appreciate the support. The part they play should never be under estimated.

“We’re working hard to stay an SPL team and will continue to give everything.

“The win against Falkirk was vital.

“They’re the bottom side and we’re now three points further away from them.

“Now we’re setting out to finish the season in a strong fashion and I would like us to put together a good undefeated run.

“We have games in hand over most sides, now it is a case of winning them.

“We’ve already posted games- in-hand victories over Hibs and Falkirk, so here’s hoping we get another tonight.

“Winning against Falkirk took us above Aberdeen, losing to the Dons tonight would see them leapfrog us.

“However, having reached seventh, we intend to keep going up the way.”

Saints have their usual crop of injuries with Steven Anderson, Martin Hardie, Peter MacDonald, Stuart McCaffrey and Kevin Rutkiewicz still out.

However, Graham Gartland, who missed the Falkirk win due to a virus, is OK and returns to the squad.

Kenny Deuchar, who netted Saints’ winner against Falkirk, is set to keep his place up front.

“His finish on Saturday was very composed. Kenny would like to have scored more goals, but he’s playing his part.

“He works hard, he’s a real nuisance and he can build on his goal from Saturday,” Derek concluded.

Aberdeen have struggled to put a good run together and manager Mark McGhee is not convinced one is on its way.

The Dons have failed to win in nine games but he believes they are not far off one good performance, which could still re-ignite their top-six hopes.

McGhee said, “Our confidence is fragile, but it doesn’t take much to tip it the other way.

“To go to St Johnstone, get the first goal and go on to win could make a huge difference to the rest of our season.

“We have a performance in us, and that’s what we want to produce going into these remaining games.”