Stephane Omeonga is targeting a top-six berth for Livingston this season.
And the Belgian midfielder believes picking up the points at Tannadice is proof they’re in a better place to do so this campaign.
The Lions agonisingly lost out on a place in the top six after conceding an injury-time equaliser to Motherwell in the final game before the split last season but the former Hibs ace is adamant it was the club’s slow start that ultimately cost them a top half finish.
David Martindale’s men picked up just four points from their first eight games last term but have three to their name just two matches into the new campaign following their 1-0 victory away to Dundee United.
He said: “This season the aim is definitely top six. We just missed it last season and we don’t want to again.
“It’s very important for us to take points at the start of the season.
“Dundee United are a team who have done well in Europe. So coming to Tannadice and beating them is a good statement.
“Last season it wasn’t the last minute of the last game before the split that cost us, but it was because of the start we made. So that’s why it is important to take points now.
“I think last season we showed we were unlucky not to make it to the top six and hopefully we can change that this season.”
He realises, of course, that’s it’s one thing to say it and a completely different proposition to go out there every week and earn it - but he’s up to the challenge even if he concedes the Premiership looks a better league this time around.
He added: “I think the league is tougher than last season but as a player I am delighted to be involved in a league like this. We take each game as it comes and we will see where it takes us.
“We set the standard in our work rate and we showed the league how hard we are going to work. We are going to be a team who are hard to beat.”
He added: “I think we are a team who do work hard but we have good players and we know how to play football. We showed this here.
“I think Livingston are that type of team, we are always underestimated.”
Following the victory over United, Omeonga admitted he was delighted for goalscorer Cristian Montano after the Colombian bagged his first goal for the club.
He said: “Cristian doesn’t score a lot but I can’t say much about that because neither do I. We are all happy for him and he deserves it because he works hard in every training session.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
