Malky Mackay knows a trip to take on Rangers or Celtic can be catastrophic for any side in the Scottish Premiership.
The experienced Ross County boss is well aware that even keeping the score respectable at Ibrox and Parkhead is a tough enough challenge, never mind picking up any points.
That's why, despite a narrow defeat, Mackay was thrilled with his side's performance as he urged his Staggies charges to take confidence from the 2-1 loss at Ibrox.
"I think unless you stand there as an opposition manager at Parkhead and Ibrox I don't think you quite get the damage that can be done to you," said Mackay.
"You can come here and lose four and it can be going on eight on any given day - especially when they are in the form that Michael has got his team in at the moment.
"I think when I look at our performance I was delighted with the way that we played tactically."
While Mackay was pleased with the display from his side, there was an obvious disappointment to concede a deflected free-kick to lose the match.
He explained: "The goal itself is one of those things. It was going into Ross' (Laidlaw) hands. There wasn't a lot of power or bend on the shot.
"In the wall, they were doing what I ask players to do in terms of being strong and high and big.
"You get these things. It's part of the league but it didn't stop them and we pressed to try and get the equaliser which on another day we could have got.
"Overall, I suppose, we don't win points today but it gives my players confidence going forward."
The defeat to Rangers doesn't help in County's fight against the drop, but Mackay is desperate for his players to use the performances against the Glasgow clubs to inspire them against the teams in the basement battle.
Mackay added: "In the group of teams we are around at the moment in the second half of the season when you see the opposition are going to Parkhead and Ibrox you hope it's going to be four.
"We've had Celtic and Rangers away in the last six or seven weeks and with 15 minutes to go in both games they were tight and we were in the games. That should instill confidence and belief in them to actually go on and kick on because there's not a lot between the rest of the teams."
