Dundee United new boy Edward Ofere believes keeping the Tangerines up would rank alongside lifting a cup.
Ofere, who moved to Tannadice at the weekend after being freed by Turkish side Boluspor, picked up silverware as an Inverness Caley Thistle jersey player last season when they beat Falkirk 2-1 in the William Hill Scottish Cup final.
That memorable day in May at Hampden stands as the highlight of Ofere’s adventurous career, which has also seen him play for clubs in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Italy.
The Nigerian international, who has been capped three times by his country, joins United as they are in the thick of a relegation fight but he insists he will relish that challenge.
And, if the Tangerines can beat the odds and stay up, he will feel as good as he felt when climbing the stairs at the national stadium nine months ago.
Ofere said: “We are fighting for our Premiership place but if we could stay in this league it would be the equivalent of winning a trophy.
“Right now the focus is on where we are in the league.
“We need to be moving in the right direction by winning games.
“The goal is staying in the division and it’s a mentality thing – we want to stay up.
“It feels like everyone is pulling in the right direction.
“We are some points behind but if we win a few matches it would give us a great boost.
“I think we are confident we can pick up the points.
“It is a good time for the team as they have won a couple of games in the last few weeks.
“That gives everyone a boost and eases a bit of the pressure on me as a new player.
“It’s crucial to keep it going, though, because it’s really important to be in this league next year.”
Maybe it was the winter sun that shone down on St Andrews yesterday but Ofere seemed genuinely happy to be back in Scotland after his time in Turkey.
Wearing a huge grin, Ofere said: “I enjoy the football here – as well as the weather!
“It’s just good to be back.
“I had a fun time when I was here with Inverness.
“It’s a positive thing for me to return as things didn’t work out so well for me in Turkey.
“I played in a few games but things went sideways and I felt I had to go.
“I know what it’s about here and I know I am capable of scoring a few goals.
“Hopefully I can get my fair share here for United.”
Ofere will have to prove he is match fit if boss Mixu Paatelainen is to give him his debut against Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park on Saturday.
However, he is happy to answer the call if it comes.
“The striker added: “It will be up to the manager but I feel I am ready.
“I have been training to keep myself fit.”
Meanwhile, United’s rearranged Premiership match against Motherwell is staying in its slot of next Tuesday the 16th after Dundee’s Scottish Cup fourth round replay against Dumbarton at Dens was scheduled for Tuesday the 23rd.