Dark Blues star is keen to keep the feelgood factor going

CHRISTIE Elliott says “it was just a matter of time” before Dundee found their feet in the Championship and he’s determined to keep the feelgood factor going tonight at Arbroath.

The Dark Blues endured a difficult start to the campaign and before their clash with the Red Lichties in December had only won one of their five league matches.

Fast forward seven weeks and James McPake’s side can move into second place with success at Gayfield tonight.

Elliott, who has made the rightback slot his own this season, says the upturn in fortunes is just reward for the players sticking together through difficult times.

Until a minor injury say him miss the cup win over Bonnyrigg Rose, the former Partick Thistle man had started 11 matches in a row and is expected to return to right-back tonight at Gayfield.

In racking up the appearances, Elliott triggered a contract extension that’ll see him stay with the Dark Blues until next summer at least, something he is delighted about.

Elliott said: “There was a little incentive in my contract to get another year. I had to hit a certain target which I did.

“I am loving my time at the club and I was very fortunate to have that clause in my deal so I am looking forward to next season as well.

“There is a real feelgood factor at the club at the moment, especially with the way we are playing and the results going our way. I think it was just a matter of time. We have always had a good squad but there were certain games at the start of the season where we were a bit unfortunate not to get the results we were looking for. and no matter who is playing, they are going to give 100% and have each other’s back.

“That is a very important factor in being a successful team.

“In training, it is really competitive and, in games, even if you are playing well, you are still not sure of your place as we have such a good squad.

“The older lads always keep on at the younger ones to give them confidence and keep doing the good things they are doing.

“It is important as a team that we try to stick together now and keep this run going.”

Tonight’s clash with Arbroath will be Dundee’s first league game that required all players to be tested for coronavirus after new rules were implemented last week.

The Dark Blues have experienced that before in their preparations for cup matches against Hibs.

And Elliott says that, despite the discomfort of the actual test, it means players can go into these games with minds at ease over possible contact with the virus.

Of the test, he said: “It is not the best, to be honest but it is better being tested as at least you are going into games knowing you are a bit safer compared to prior when we weren’t.

“Obviously, you could get it any place but we are getting tested twice a week so we are trying to do everything we can as a club to

Thistle feels for his former Partick Christie Elliott says he to a halt. seen their season brought team-mates who have