‘Switching off’ cost Dundee United in heart-breaking fashion against Celtic.
But Liam Fox believes his young stars will learn from their mistakes – and take their lessons into Wednesday’s clash with Kilmarnock.
A win over Killie at Tannadice would see United draw level on points with their opponents, who have yet to record a Premiership victory away from Rugby Park.
The Tangerines came agonisingly close to taking a point at Celtic Park on Saturday, only for mistakes to cost them at the death.
But their head coach is dead set on avoiding a repeat – and he believes his players will learn from their experience against the Champions.
“I have mixed emotions about last weekend because there were a lot of good things,” said Fox.
“But we switched off for a very small period of time and were punished for it, which is what top teams do – they go to the end.
“So it has to be a learning curve for us.
“It’s vital players switch on, sense danger and concentrate.
“That is something we work on a lot and will continue to work on.
“We have to drive that culture so it becomes something we’re good at.”
Asked whether defensive instincts can be coached into players, he said: “Some players have it naturally, other players get it through a period of time and others get it from bad experiences, like switching off or a mistake.
“There is nothing worse than walking back into a changing room knowing you have let your teammates down.
“One or two of the younger players have had that experience in the last couple of days and they will have to deal with that.”
Every game now ‘massive’ for Dundee United
United came out on the wrong side of the game the last time they faced Kilmarnock, in the League Cup.
Given the chance Wednesday’s game affords to draw level on points with Killie, its importance isn’t lost on Fox, who won’t have the luxury of picking the injured Charlie Mulgrew.
“Every game from now and the end of the season is massive for us,” he said.
“We would like to win it and we will prepare as we normally do, giving Kilmarnock the respect they deserve.
“We know what is coming and we know what to expect but hopefully this time we will come out on the right side.”
Fox also congratulated full-back Aziz Behich, who has been called up to Australia’s World Cup squad.
Fox said: “Aziz is pleased and he’s excited but he’s also aware he’s got two big games with us before he goes to Qatar.
“It’s great for him because playing in a World Cup will be the pinnacle of anyone’s career and it’s great for the club too because it gives a bit of prestige having someone on that stage.
“Aziz has been brilliant for me since I took over; he’s got a great attitude to the game and we’re all delighted for him.”
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