Dundee United have secured their star striker David Goodwillie on an extended contract.
Kirk insisted there is still plenty to play for in what remains of the league campaign, starting with the trip to face the champions.
He said, “We want to finish as high up the league as we can and maybe going to Ibrox is the best place for us to be heading. We are looking for a huge improvement and I would like to think this will give us a kick up the backside.
“In the past we have always got a reaction after a poor result and I am sure this time will be no different. They are a good bunch of boys and it is not often we have sat and said that nobody played up to what they are capable of.
“The season is certainly not over. We have a lot to play for ourselves and want to make it up to the fans for their brilliant backing the other night.”
United will still be without defender Garry Kenneth for the trip to Glasgow but Kirk expects him to be back in full training after a recent knee injury early next week.
Kirk said, “Garry will be back in full training next week so he might have a chance after that.”HopeA fourth-place finish in the SPL this season will still offer a route into European football if Rangers win the SPL title and Celtic lift the Scottish Cup. That scenario gives some hope to United, who currently sit fourth.
The winners of the cup automatically qualify for one of next season’s three Europa League places, but the runners-up would also feature in continental competition if Celtic completed a domestic double.
St Johnstone and Motherwell, who face each other in the first semi-final on April 16, are thus potentially only one game away from a return to the European stage, while Aberdeen would have to beat Celtic in their semi and then get their hands on the trophy.
The only situation that would lead to the third Euro berth being decided by league placings is if Celtic were to finish second but lift the cup.
As Scotland’s co-efficient dropped to 16th last season, the nation’s clubs lost one place in Europe for next term, with only this year’s champions going into the Champions League and three entering the Europa League.
The Scotland internationalist has been rewarded for his goal-laden performances this season with a one-year addition to his current deal, tying him to the Tangerines until May 2013.
Goodwillie is the Tannadice team’s top scorer with 15 this term and, of course, it was his spectacular lob against Ross County that set them on their way to lifting the Scottish Cup last May.
With the 22-year-old’s original agreement due to conclude at the end of next season, United have thought it prudent and desirable to add a further 12 months on to it.
The move will certainly cheer up fans in the wake of the 3-0 loss to Motherwell on Wednesday night that ended their defence of the cup.
Manager Peter Houston was delighted to relay the good news. He said, “I am thrilled that David has agreed to extend his contract until 2013. It is a major coup for the club.
“David has shown a terrific improvement in his overall game within the last 12 months as well as continuing to show the undoubted talent that he has always had.
“He is now recognised as one of the SPL’s top strikers. It is testament to the hard work, effort and enthusiasm of the staff that David sees his career advancing further here at Dundee United.”Exploring optionsAs well as nurturing the talent already at Tannadice, United have begun exploring their options for next season.
It is understood one player on their radar is Cowdenbeath frontman Marc McKenzie. The 25-year-old Glaswegian has prospered since joining Cowden from East Stirling last summer.
Of course, Central Park has been a successful recruiting ground for United in the past, with midfielder Morgaro Gomis making the step-up to the SPL.
Meanwhile, United assistant manager Gary Kirk admitted the Tangerines were taken aback by their dismal cup display because they had been in such good form beforehand.
The were on an eight-game unbeaten run going into Wednesday’s replay so the 3-0 scoreline came as something of a surprise.
Kirk said, “We didn’t see it coming. It was one of those nights and I can’t say I have seen the players play as badly as a unit before. The boys and everyone at the club are hurting.
“Anyone who was at the game would have seen that Motherwell wanted it more than us and that was the worrying thing. We have had a chat about it but it is done now.
“We are out of the cup and we can’t afford to dwell on it because we have a massive game against Rangers on Saturday.”