Fox frustrated after a positive week for United
Liam Fox could freshen his Dundee United side for Tuesday night’s crunch League Cup quarter-final – after a “leggy” first half against Ross County.
The Tannadice manager felt he got a better response from his players after the break as they came back to seize a point through Tony Watt’s leveller.
That made it seven points from nine in the last three games ahead of this week’s tilt for Hampden.
Fox said: “If somebody had offered me seven points last Saturday morning, I’d have been very pleased.
“Overall, the week has been a positive one, but I’m slightly frustrated we didn’t take the three points today.
“It is a difficult venue and we were playing a decent side.
“It is the first time this season we’ve taken something after going a goal behind, so overall it has been a positive day for us.
“I just felt over the first half we were flat – we looked leggy and a bit tired.
“We’re always trying to build resilience in the players. We need to keep pushing them all the time.
“But, looking at my bench today, there are players ready to step in if others don’t perform. That’s how I want it to be. The competition is healthy.”
Fox praised Glenn Middleton for his second-half impact in setting up the leveller for Watt, adding: “For the substitutions, I just felt we needed a bit of life, a spark, some energy. I think we got that in the second half.
“Overall it was much better, but still not at the level I want it to be at.
“Glenn gave is that energy. He’s been great for us – he’s a fantastic boy to work with, really positive.
“He sets up the goal for Tony which will do his confidence a world of good. He’ll be important for us.
“We now move to Tuesday, which is a huge game for the football club, players, staff and supporters – an opportunity to get to Hampden – a tough fixture away to Kilmarnock.
“We know how difficult it will be, but it is a game we’re looking forward to.”