Nicky Clark is determined to make up for Scottish Cup dismay by ensuring Dundee United end the season on a high – and in the top six.
United’s trophy hopes were dashed by Celtic on Monday night and it means the sole focus at Tannadice now has to be the Premiership.
The Tangerines narrowly missed out on the top six last season, despite having been in it for most of the season.
It has been similar for Tam Courts' side this time round, although they slipped out it again last midweek.
Clark knows they have to really push over the next three games – away to St Mirren and Hibs and then a home derby – to be back in the top six.
The striker said: “We lost out by a point the last time, we know just how tight it can be and we have three massive games coming up.
“It is all in our own hands because if we win those three games we’ll definitely get there.
“The other teams around us need to play each other as well, so it will be interesting.
“But we need to make sure we get into the top six.”
Clark knows the United fans would love it if they sealed a top-six place by beating Dundee in the final game before the split.
Striker Clark, though, would prefer to try and clinch a top-half finish before then.
He is also aware that they are at a stage of the season where wins are all that matters.
He said: “Three points are massive and we need to get as many as we can.
“It would be interesting going into the derby looking to win to get into the top six but hopefully, we can get it done before then.”
The middle of the table is so congested that just five points separate fourth-placed Hibs from Aberdeen in 10th.
United are also one of four teams on 36 points – with Ross County sitting sixth on goal difference – and the final placings could come down to goals scored and conceded.
But Clark added: “We just need to concentrate on winning our games and picking up points. It will be difficult but we just need to win the games.”
Clark knows United can’t afford any travel sickness over their next two games when they head to face top six rivals St Mirren and Hibs.
Wins would put them right in the top six mix but it will be tight against a St Mirren side currently sitting alongside United on 36 points.
Saints won at Tannadice in January which sparked a long unbeaten run which took them back into the fight for the top half.
Since then they have lost manager Jim Goodwin to Aberdeen and replaced him with former Motherwell gaffer Stephen Robinson.
Clark knows United will have to be bang at it.
He said: “They beat us last time although they have had a change of manager.
“They are good at what they do and we are looking forward to it.
“We need to push on and get that spot in the top six.”
United will be hoping Tony Watt will be fit after he failed to recover from a hamstring issue for the Celtic game but midfielder Ian Harkes is a serious doubt after limping out of Monday’s game.
