Reynolds aiming to finish the job in Tangerines’ title march

for every position but, all of a sudden, we’re starting to play boys out of position.

“That’s what happens with the fixtures being so relentless, you usually get to January time and boys start breaking down and you start struggling.

“However, it’s good for us to have that makeshift line-up do so well and get a strong result.

“When we’re keeping clean sheets, we know he’ll score.

“I think, previously, Lawrence has always been under pressure to score because if he doesn’t score two or three for his teams then they’d struggle to win.

“We know we’re going to keep tight at the back and, if we get one or two, we’ll win the game.

“If you feed Lawrence, he’ll score and I think a couple of his goals he’s created almost himself.

“It’s good because he’s been quiet for the last couple of weeks but we know the goals are there.

“He brings a lot more to the team as well, with his workrate and his pressing of defences from the front.

“To get another hat-trick speaks volumes and I’m sure there’ll be plenty more goals before the end of the season.”

United take on Hibs i n the Scottish Cup fourth-round at Tannadice on Sunday and Reynolds says they are looking forward to testing themselves against top-flight opposition with a view to next season.

“It’s going to be a huge game and in cup-ties form goes out the window.

“Although they’re struggling, they’re still a Premiership team and have very good players.

“It will be a tough one but we’re high in confidence and have got a bit of momentum going.

“Hopefully, we can take that into the cup and step up to test ourselves against a Premiership team.”

Mark Reynolds and hat-trick hero Lawrence Shankland (right) applaud the travelling Dundee United support at full-time.