"Sometimes you have to look for plusses from a game and his performance was one of them along with Jack Colback, who did what you want from a midfielder, close players down and use the ball when you have it.
"He has put himself into contention to play Tuesday night but there is no denying there has to be a big improvement on what we have done so far. I've probably played it down over the last few weeks but we short in certain areas of the park.
"I have given players a chance to show what they can do and they have not taken it. I can't be accused of not giving people an opportunity and certainly things have got to change if results are going to improve."