Jean Mendy believes Dundee are still well short of their best ahead of the big Premiership kick-off.
The Senegalese striker made it two goals from his first three outings for the Dark Blues with a strike in Wednesday’s 2-0 Betfred Cup group victory at Peterhead.
It was a convincing win for Neil McCann’s side but one which still left them needing another at home to Brechin City on Saturday to be sure of progressing to the knock-out stages.
The Dens Park defeat to group leaders Dunfermline muddied the waters for the Dark Blues, with a clutch of teams in different groups still chasing the four ‘best of the rest’ second place spots.
For Mendy, the Balmoor win was a satisfying result, but no cause for complacency.
The 28-year-old former Lokeren and Kristiansund frontman said: “Of course, it is very good to win on Wednesday – a good result.
“But in terms of performance we need to go up a level. The victory was important but we have to improve.
“At this stage in the season, we are still finding our full potential.
“It isn’t difficult to play competitive games so early, but with these games coming in the cup you play against teams who are down a level and determined to prove themselves.
“It can be difficult to play against these kind of teams because they stay in behind the ball and defend.
“From our point of view, we have to move the ball faster and play better because if you are not at 100 per cent you don’t win the games you need to.”
Dundee were always well on top against the Blue Toon, dominating possession and the flow of play while not always convincing in the final third.
From Paul McGowan’s supply, Kharl Madianga’s right-footed finish from 10 yards just four minutes into the second half gave them the lead.
But the game wasn’t put beyond doubt until Mendy tucked away a similar chance in stoppage time.
The striker added: “We had more chances in the second half and, after we scored, Peterhead had to come out to try to hit back.
“After that, we found more space offensively and it was better.
“I’m pleased to have scored again but every time I’m on the pitch I only want to do my best to help my team. Scoring goals is my job.
“I’m enjoying it in Scotland, with a good club and working under Neil McCann. He is good for attackers such as myself, and we are trying to work hard on reaching our best offensively, scoring the goals to win us games.”
Meanwhile, Marcus Haber has been linked with a move to Falkirk, managed by Paul Hartley, who brought the Canadian to Dens.
The 29-year-old hasn’t featured for the Dark Blues so far this season, though he was an unused sub at Peterhead.
Earlier this month he spent a week on trial with a club in South Africa, believed to be Bidvest Wits, who subsequently signed Simon Murray.
