Defender sees chance to pile pressure on the chasing pack

“That then puts more pressure on the teams below us to up the pace. We do only concentrate on ourselves but the bigger the gap the better.”

Smith, however, is only too aware United can’t take anything for granted against a Queens team capable of the unexpected.

The Doonhamers inflicted a 4-0 defeat on the Tangerines just a few weeks ago before they embarked on their unbeaten run that’s propelled them clear of the chasing pack.

Queens are also the last team to win a league match at Tannadice.

Smith, though, says United have used that 4-0 loss to spur them into action and he has an eye on revenge this weekend.

“It was a disappointing weekend all round that one. We didn’t play well and shipped a few goals,” he said.

“That kicked us on because we knew we had to do something about it. We have reacted in the best way, we’ve not conceded a goal since and we want to continue that tomorrow.

“We weren’t losing a lot of goals but we weren’t getting the clean sheets. To start doing that and getting on a run builds a lot of confidence.

“We know if we do that with the forward players we have, there’s every chance we’ll win the game.”

As well as keeping things tight at the back, Smith has played a key role at the other end, winning two important penalties in vital wins over Inverness and Dundee.

He added: “Two weeks in a row! It’s never happened previously.

“Obviously I’m a defender but, if I can keep getting in the opposition box and helping that way, I’m more than happy to do so.”