Jim Goodwin revealed Glenn Middleton responded to some criticism about his scoring form to help Dundee United on the way to a 2-1 William Hill Premiership comeback victory at St Johnstone.
The former Saints winger had failed to net in 16 games this season, a record he was gently reminded of by his manager in training on Wednesday.
Middleton reacted with a right-footed 51st-minute equaliser from 20 yards at McDiarmid Park, cancelling out Makenzie Kirk’s opening goal.
United totally dominated after that leveller and Sam Dalby’s header on the hour proved to be the winner to take the visitors up to fourth in the table.
Goodwin said: “I was having a bit of craic with Glenn yesterday, saying he needs to score more goals.
“And we spoke about it: going back to one of your former clubs, you quite often see that sort of thing happen.
“I think Glenn has a very good strike on him with his left foot but he’s also capable on his weaker right foot and today we saw him driving in from the left and getting a good shot away, hitting the target.
“I’m very pleased for him because his all-round performances have been excellent of late.
“He’s getting that consistency into his game. People forget that Glenn isn’t an experienced 30-year-old – he is still young (24) and learning the game.”
The big negative for United was Declan Gallagher’s straight red card after 87 minutes for a lunge on Aaron Essel.
That will rule him out of Sunday’s visit of Aberdeen and the Dundee derby at Dens Park next Thursday.
“There’s absolutely no intent from Declan, having spoken to him after the game,” said Goodwin.
“I thought it was an honest challenge but, if he hasn’t won any of the ball and he’s caught the St Johnstone player then we’ll need to accept that.”
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari admitted his players need to stop feeling sorry for themselves after letting yet another winning position slip.
Saints, two points adrift of Hearts at the bottom, were 2-1 up against St Mirren a fortnight ago with three minutes left and lost 3-2.
Valakari said: “You need to feel your pride is hurting because everyone is saying ‘St Johnstone are a soft touch who lose goals for fun’.
“That needs to hurt you, it’s professional pride and you have to show it. Did they feel sorry for themselves? Of course, that’s how it goes.
“But there’s no other option other than roll your sleeves up and go again. I will enjoy these moments in a crazy way because it’s a test now, it’s a test of character and a test of what kind of team we are.”
