Confidence is a precious commodity but Ross County midfielder Stewart Murdoch says there is no shortage of it within the Staggies squad.
County are currently fourth in the Premiership after taking 18 points from their first 11 games and have the opportunity to leapfrog Hearts into third-place with a victory at Tynecastle this afternoon.
The Dingwall men are looking to secure their first win at Gorgie, having failed to defeat Hearts in seven attempts in the capital.
Thriving County are in buoyant mood ahead of today’s game and Murdoch said: “We put a lot of new players together at the start of the season and we started getting wins quite quickly.
“Results like the win against Aberdeen will help us grow even more and people will start to see how good a team we are.
“If you make it to this level there has to be a level of belief already in yourself that you’re a good player.
“We know we’ve got a good team and a good squad. The depth of the squad is coming into play with there being injuries and other lads stepping in and taking their chance.
“We feel we’re a decent side and hopefully we can keep showing that.
“Whoever wins the game is going to be in third place come Saturday night.
“It’s important we keep winning. If we can go to Tynecastle and take something we’ll be delighted.
“It’s still game-by-game – we can’t get too far ahead of ourselves.
“Whatever teams put in front of us it’s important we stand up to that.”
Murdoch joined County from English League 1 side Fleetwood Town in the summer, but initially struggled to hold down a place in the starting line-up.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a run in the side, though, after being handed an opportunity by manager Jim McIntyre following injuries to fellow midfielders Martin Woods and Rocco Quinn.
The Aberdeen-born midfielder is determined to maintain a high level of performance.
He said: “After the first game of the season I was just being patient, I was doing my work out on the training pitch.
“Due to injury in the first place, it was down to me to step in and do as well as I could. Now with the injuries coming back it’s important I continue to play well and keep my place.”