“It was a big three points for us and it was good to get back to winning ways.

“We always knew that it was going to be a tough game down here. We came with a plan. We knew that we would need to battle hard and thankfully we have come through the game and got the win.

“We are pleased with the three points but everyone knows that their standards can be higher.

“We had to battle on dry pitch. We came here to do a job and we have done it.

“I expect that (tough tackles) when I step up and play first team football.

“I knew it is going to be more physical. I need to be ready for that challenge and stand up in my individual battles and try and win as many of them as I can. It was not pretty at times but you have to try and learn from games like that. When it is more physical and the ball in bouncing about in the midfield area and you don’t have time, I have to do more to win second balls and then try and get the team playing. Games like that are a big learning curve for me. I am thankful to get through it and get the win.

“It is difficult when you have two young players together in the middle of the park. We have still to establish a relationship so the more we play the better we will be together.

“I feel that in the technical games, such as the Celtic and Rangers games I have played in, they are passing games and I am able to cope quite well. It is the games which are scrappy like today that I need to improve on. I need to try and help the ball round the corner and win my battles. I will learn from the mistakes I made today and improve.

“I am pleased that I am being trusted to play in games like that, although I appreciate we had a number of midfielders out injured.

“I am hoping to not just be in the team whilst they are injured, I am hoping to stake my claim and when they are back, I will still be in and around the starting XI.

“When the manager signs new experienced players then he is going to play them. All I can do is be patient and make sure I keep myself in his thoughts by working hard every day and impressing when the chance comes along. I have to give the manager a decision to make when everyone is fit again.

“Also I need to learn from the experienced boys at the club such as Craig Bryson and Funso Ojo. They have both played at a high level. Every day I can learn from them.

“I am happy to be out there on the pitch playing for Aberdeen, no matter what type of game it is.

“I am sure it will be a similar game on Wednesday at Tynecastle with it being a Quarter Final. The pitch is quite tight. We know the challenge that we will face so we need to make sure we are ready for it. They will be well up for the game but so will we.

“As a player, I will now be starting to think about it and focussing on my job in that game, if selected.”