Knowing what most of us are like after after a long journey, having to play a high-tempo derby within 72 hours of a 5,000 mile round trip is going to be a big ask for any team.
It may be that this can excuse the conservative tactics and apparent lethargy, however now isn’t the time that can be stated with certainty, rather when we return from the international break and without any excuses show that this was exceptional rather than business as usual.
Make no mistake, convincing league wins against Dundee, St. Johnstone & Livingston, getting into the semi-final of the league cup and as a bonus taking anything back from Spain will turn the tide by the end of the month. With that sort of momentum the new year game will be the moment the media realise the 55 is on this season.