Michael Duffy happy to hit the ground running with Dundee
Dundee loanee Michael Duffy was happy to make his mark with an impressive individual display in a 3-1 Ladbrokes Premiership victory over Ross County.
A first-half double from Rory Loy - the second goal came from the penalty spot - and a third strike from Paul McGowan just after the hour mark put Dundee out of reach before County substitute Craig Curran grabbed a consolation.
Northern Ireland Under-21 international Duffy set up McGowan's goal and was one of the stand-out performers for Dundee in a clinical win at Dingwall, and the on-loan Celtic winger said: It's a good start to the season. We knew it would be tough coming up here. But we dug in and I thought we deserved the win.''
Duffy, who played for Alloa last season, added: I'm happy with my own performance and happy with my assist, but right across the team I thought we did well - it was a good shift.''
The manner of the win has instilled confidence in the team ahead of a long campaign, according to Duffy.
He said: We are at home to Rangers next week - it is another tough one, but we have started well and we are very positive going into it.''
The Derry-born player feels he has adapted well to life in the top flight, saying: There is a difference playing in the Premiership, it's quicker and a more physical league but I feel I've adapted okay.
I'm looking to play well and stay in the team every week. Hopefully we will do well this year - that's all I'm looking for.''
On the win, he added: There weren't many chances in the game for both teams but we were clinical with ours. It was a deserved win.''
County forward Alex Schalk felt his team had been pickpocketed''.
He said: We are gutted by the result but we showed some real character and real quality as well. But there were a lot of positive things we can build on and take into next week's Highland derby (against Inverness).
We played okay in the first half, we were okay but we made two mistakes and conceded two goals.
Overall I thought we were the better team, especially in the second half. We must have had at least 75 per cent ball possession. But it's not always about who the better team is, it's about putting the chances away and getting the three points on the board.''
The Dutchman also felt he should have been awarded a penalty seconds after Dundee had taken the lead.
He said: It was a stonewall penalty. I don't know if it was on purpose the defender clipped my heels, it should be a penalty, 100 per cent.
Nothing went our way, we got pickpocketed.''
Schalk feels there were enough positives to take into the clash with Inverness, saying: For now we are a bit disappointed but we are looking forward to the derby, we can build on this and go again next Saturday.''