Like any striker, Nadir Ciftci was simply delighted to get off the mark for the season with Dundee United’s opener on Saturday.
However, he admitted that he was equally pleased to see team-mate Chris Erskine pop up with what proved to be a late winner against the Staggies.
Erskine has endured a difficult time at Tannadice since signing along with Paul Paton from Partick Thistle and spent much of last season back on loan at Firhill.
Now, though, Ciftci is delighted to have him back in tangerine and he believes Erskine is reaping the rewards of all his hard work in training.
The big frontman said: “It is always a good feeling to score a goal. I maybe could have had another one or two but the most important thing for me is the team and winning.
“It doesn’t really matter who scores but yes I am delighted. I am also happy for Chris. Since he has been back in pre-season he has been working really hard in training and the games he has taken part in.
“He did well at Aberdeen and he has scored again. I am delighted for him as he is a really good guy.”
Cifcti was also pleased that United had managed to exorcise at least some of the demons from last weekend’s heavy defeat at Celtic Park.
He said: “We were disappointed after last week. We had two good games prior to that so we were definitely not expecting that.
“We were actually looking forward to going there and putting in a good shift but it was just one of those days that sometimes happen.
“But we kept our heads cool and tried to forget what happened at Celtic.
“I thought we picked it up well again today and we created enough chances to make it not so worrying at 1-1.
“But we got the second and we are delighted with the three points.”
With Motherwell and Aberdeen losing again, Ciftci was asked if this is United’s season to be best of the rest behind Celtic.
He said: “It is still too early to say as we have just started the season.
“The most important thing is what we do and the way we play. We shouldn’t really look at other teams, it is about us working hard.
“I think we have improved in some ways since last season, especially defensively.
“Apart from the Celtic game we have not conceded much. We are pleased about that.”
Ciftci’s boss was also delighted with the win and with Erskine’s contribution.
Jackie McNamara said: “It was a good victory for us. I think we had something like 30 attempts on goal.
“I was a bit disappointed with the goal we lost on the breakaway. We were a bit gung-ho at that point.
“I thought it was a good game especially in the second half with both teams trying to create things.
“I am delighted for Chris to score the winner. He was possibly a bit down that he did not start the match as there is no reason in terms of what he has done so far not to merit one.
“So I might be getting a knock on the door on Monday. Last week was disappointing and we wanted to come here and give the fans something to cheer about.”