Dundee United goalkeeper Luis Zwick believes the club’s league survival bid can benefit from their remarkable run to the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals.
It was fairtytale stuff for the Tangerines in Dingwall on Saturday as they went a goal down to Ross County in their quarter-final, equalised through Henri Anier, lost defender Mark Durnan and a penalty to fall 2-1 behind then roared back to level through Anier again before scoring a last-gasp winner through Billy Mckay.
For a squad of players who have faced criticism and even derision for some of their results and performances in a troubled Premiership season, this was a day when they stood tall and gave manager Mixu Paatelainen and the 1,200 or so travelling supporters all that they asked of them.
That was certainly the case for young keeper Zwick, who was playing his first game since conceding five goals to Celtic on October 25.
The German was back in because of an injury to first choice Eiji Kawashima and he did his bit for the cause, with a late save from ex-Tannadice man Michael Gardyne the highlight.
He revealed that he had never experienced anything quite like that stunning win over the Staggies and expressed confidence that reaching the last four in the cup can help boost their chances of staying up.
He said: “I’m absolutely buzzing.
“They got the penalty but we somehow managed to turn the game.
“It’s unbelievable for this to happen in my first game for a couple of months. It couldn’t have gone better.
“We showed a great attitude and were fighting for each other. I think we deserved to win.
“My career is not that long but that’s the best victory I can remember.
“I can’t explain why we are bottom of the league when we can play like that.
“For some weeks now we have been playing well but now we are starting to get the results as well.
“If we keep playing like this I think we will stay up and will have a good chance in the cup as well.
“Like everyone else who is in the semi-final, we want to win the cup.
“But I also think the cup run can help the league form because it will boost our confidence.
“The cup semi and a final are only two games so they are not a problem.
“It’s a big thing for us.
“For now, though, we have to concentrate on the league and we have a big game against Motherwell next Friday.”
Zwick had a decent game in Dingwall but he is not sure if he has done well wenough to keep Kawashima out the side when he is fit again.
Zwick said: “I had to play well to maybe cause the manager a problem.
“I think Eiji has been really good as well but we will see.
“I’m there if he needs me.
“It’s just important that we stay up and win the cup.
“Whoever plays is not the most important thing.
“Do I deserve to play in the semi-final? I don’t know. You would have to ask the manager.
“I helped win the quarter-final but we will see.”