Deflated Tam Courts believes Benjamin Siegrist can still be their top six hero after Dundee United crashed out the Scottish Cup in a 3-0 defeat to Celtic at Tannadice.
An uncharacteristic blunder from Siegrist gifted Giorgos Giakoumskis to score which inevitably sunk United.
But Courts has backed his keeper to bounce back and help United finish in the top half.
He claimed: “The second happened to be a mistake by a guy who’s been tremendous for many years.
“Football works in mysterious ways and I told him I wouldn’t be surprised if he does something that helps get us into the top six. He’s a huge character who will be important going forwards.
“It was frustrating from an attacking perspective. It was a proper cup tie and we made some nervy moments for Celtic.
“But from an attacking perspective we chose the wrong option, the execution wasn’t quite right there.”
Courts, who lost Ian Harkes through injury, also felt Reo Hatate could have been sent off for his first half challenge on Kieran Freeman.
He stated: “I never want to see players red carded but I felt it was a bit overzealous. I’ve not seen it back so I’ve not seen if he was off the ground.
“But earlier in the season Callum Butcher made a similar tackle and was retrospectively banned.
“I don’t want to sensationalise it and the player isn’t overly aggressive but I was trying to look after the player.
“Harkes feels like something in his left ankle. He’s an important performer for us. Hopefully he’s a quick healer and he’s not out for long.”
Courts felt his team gave him everything.
He added: “Attitude, application and work-rate was evident. The players were up for it but to beat Celtic there has to be other ingredients.
“There were moments we could have done better with the ball and been more creative.
“Out of character for us we lost some cheap goals but Celtic were the better team.
“We gave everything and always felt we were in the game. Then the second goal deflated us and the third was bitterly disappointing.”
