Jefferies believes that James Fowler has been in impressive form at right-back this season, and, although unlikely to get past Alan Hutton in the reckoning just yet, the versatile player should take heart from Robertson's success. Jeffries went on: "We have James Fowler, who has been very consistent for us. What should encourage him is seeing people like Scott Robertson. He was playing in the First Division, started out well with Dundee United this year and got into the Scotland squad and suddenly he's capped against Argentina. That must give every player in Scotland a boost."

One player Jefferies is hoping to stay out of the limelight with the transfer window looming is Mehdi Taouil, who was in inspirational form against United at the weekend. He said: "I've had it happen so often that I don't worry about losing players now, I know it's part and parcel of the game. I try to enjoy them while they're here. If we get into a situation where the club can't turn down an offer, I have to live with that. Hopefully it won't happen and he will be here for most of his three years and we can enjoy him while he's here. The only way he will get a big-money move is if he regularly performs the way he did last week and he will always get that opportunity here. He enjoys it here and I think it would have to be something exceptional for him to leave. He says he loves working with myself and Billy Brown and he gets on great with the boys. If you are in an environment where you love your football, sometimes that's worth a lot. It's been good for both parties. He's a terrific little talent and we are delighted to have him at the club."