Dundee United striker Johnny Russell promised there are more goals to come from him after bagging the brace that secured victory over Hearts.
Russell (20) is only in his first full season at SPL level and has become an integral part of manager Peter Houston’s team.
His goal tally now stands at five, some way short of fellow frontman David Goodwillie.
However, he is determined to contribute more for the Tangerines, who moved up to fourth in the table and still have a Scottish Cup replay at Motherwell to look forward to.
That means learning from Goodwillie each time he partners him up front.
“I have obviously played with Goodie before when we were coming through the ranks together at the club so I know what he is all about,” said Russell.
“We have a great understanding, which helps enormously.
“When I look at how he has come on as a player it is definitely something to aspire to.
“He is a quality player who can score a goal out of anything, just look at his overhead kick against Motherwell in the Scottish Cup last weekend.
“But we all need to chip in with goals, not just rely on Goodie all the time, and I am determined to do that.
“I don’t score too many headers but I was so happy to get that first one against Hearts, especially when the game was still so evenly poised.
“They had a lot of big guys in their line-up but I think it was my movement more than anything which brought me the space inside the box from which to score.”Top sixThe win tucked the Tangerines just behind the Jam Tarts in the league and should results go for them on Saturday a win for them over Inverness and a draw or defeat for St Johnstone at Hamilton they will have secured their top-six status.
“Beating Hearts was massive, all things considered,” said Russell.
“Our aim right now is to get into the top-four and we knew all along we had to win our games in hand to stand any chance of doing so.
“We had no option but to get victories in those matches we had still to play and to get four straight SPL wins is all credit to the players.
“To be honest, all the lads are just buzzing and wanting to play every day because that’s what we do best.
“We all look after ourselves as well which is a huge thing in the modern-day game. It certainly helps at a hectic time like this.
“I think we’re coming good at just the right time at the business end of the season if you like.Standards”But we have to keep things going and not let our standards drop in any way.
“I think there were a few people out there who felt we might falter with the backlog of games.
“However, we have proved them wrong which is basically down to the attitude and commitment of the boys in the dressing-room.”
Meanwhile, United boss Houston has hailed young full-back Keith Watson for his part in United’s recent good run.
The 21-year-old full-back, who earned high praise from previous Tannadice gaffer Craig Levein as the most talented youngster he had worked with, has overcome injury torment to become a key player for the Tangerines.
Watson did a brilliant marking job on Hearts star David Templeton and Houston insists the youngster deserves a lot of credit.
“I can hardly think of a time when Templeton went by Keith which is all credit to him,” said the manager.
“There have been games this season when I would liked to have left him out because he’s had a tough time coming back from injury in recent seasons.
“But I just think he is getting better and better as the season goes on.
“His defending is top-drawer and even if someone gets by him he has the legs to get back.
“Once he improves his use of the ball he will be an even better player.
“It is clear to see why Craig praised him like he did a few years ago and I think the supporters can see that as well with the level of performances he is turning in for the club.”
Houston also poured praise on Jon Daly for turning out as a makeshift centre-back in their victory over the Jam Tarts but stressed he still sees him as a front player.
“Jon has come off the bench and scored twice in recent games so I still consider him as a striker,” he said.
“But sometimes needs must and we needed some height at the heart of the defence.
“Hearts are a big side so Jon gave us that presence we were looking for and played very well overall.”
Meanwhile, defender Garry Kenneth has been put on three-week running programme to bring him back to full fitness after his recent knee injury.