Lille manager Rene Girard is adamant that his side are starting to find their form after an indifferent start to the season.

Les Dogues ended Saint-Etienne's 100% start to the Ligue 1 campaign on Sunday after a Salomon Kalou penalty gave them a 1-0 win at Stade Lille-Metropole.

Having endured a win and a defeat in their opening two matches, Girard feels that the win over Les Verts has given his side a platform to build upon.

"We took the three points by shaping up to a side who are difficult to push around. The start of the game was a bit complicated for us, but then we did what we needed to do, even though we could have controlled the match better in the final 15 minutes," Girard told reporters.

"We're on the up-and-up, we're improving and that's great. When you dive into a league like this one, its helps to know where you stand vis-a-vis your competition, but the important thing is still to keep improving with every game - and above all, stay vigilant."

Lille travel to Rennes at the weekend.