Simon Murray says the international break came at exactly the right time for the Dundee United squad.
The 23-year-old striker and his team-mates have been working hard at their St Andrews training base over the last fortnight as new boss Mixu Paatelainen looks to implement his ideas and tactics.
There has also been plenty of tough, physical graft but Murray says he would not have it any other way and he hopes United reap the reward starting this afternoon against St Johnstone at Tannadice.
He said: “It has been brilliant but hard. When the manager came in, we had a game just a couple of days later so he didn’t really have much time.
“So the break has come at a great time for the whole squad.
“We had a few double sessions but I loved it. It wasn’t all just flat-out running, though. The team has been working really hard and a lot of it was on the shape.”
United are, of course, at the bottom of the Premiership table at the moment and Murray admitted that this is the first time he has ever been involved in a relegation dogfight.
However, he is confident United will come through it and he will become a stronger person as a result.
Murray added: “The boys definitely aren’t as down as some people might think.
“We are still training hard and the new manager has had a few weeks now to put over the way he wants us to play.
“It has been good and everyone just wants to turn things around and get good results.
“I have never been in this position before at this high a level so it is a learning curve for me and the other young players.
“If we can get through it, we can take positives from it.
“It should make me tougher as a person. It doesn’t get any harder than being at the bottom of the league.
“United are a big club so there is pressure on us.
“You don’t want to let yourself or the club down but I am sure we will come through it.
“The boys are all confident so hopefully we can get the right result against St Johnstone.”