Source: Team_Talk
Dods won't be daunted - Houston
The veteran centre-half was part of the United side demolished 7-1 by Rangers in December.[LNB]He has played the role of understudy to Andy Webster for long spells this season, but with the on-loan Scotland international unavailable against his parent club, Dods will be asked to step back into the firing line against the Gers.[LNB]The 34-year-old will call upon his vast experience, having helped St Johnstone into Europe and the League Cup final 11 years ago, and Houston believes that will be invaluable to United's players.[LNB]He said: "Darren Dods will come back into the team and I don't think having to change the defence is a big issue.[LNB]"The big man has been a stalwart since he came here and he's a role model for a lot of the lads.[LNB]"He's played at a very good level, spending years in the SPL and experienced Europe and cup finals with St Johnstone.[LNB]"He's also a Scotland B international.[LNB]"Darren has been there, done it and seen it, so going back to Ibrox won't be a problem for him.[LNB]"I tell the younger lads here to look at him and the way he goes about things because it's brilliant.[LNB]"He's hardly missed a day's training and is always out there doing a wee bit extra just to keep him ticking over.[LNB]"That's why he's been able to play at such a high level for so long. He's a credit to himself and I just hope the younger lads here look at him and copy the things he does."[LNB]While the common consensus is that all the pressure will be on treble-chasing Rangers, Houston insists the United players are so desperate to reach the final that they heap expectation on themselves.[LNB]He said: "There is pressure on both teams because there's a cup semi to play for.[LNB]"Rangers are going for a treble so they know what it means to them, but it means just as much to our boys.[LNB]"We want to get as far as we can in this competition. It would be great for everyone to get through because it's a step closer to a final.[LNB]"We put pressure on ourselves because we want to win every game and keep improving."[LNB]Defender Paul Dixon, while making rapid progress in his recovery from an ankle injury, is ruled out of Sunday's game.[LNB]Houston said: "Since Webby can't play against Rangers we've let him go into Murray Park to do his stuff.[LNB]"He's had a wee thigh strain so they have taken him down there and he'll be back with us next week.[LNB]"Paul Dixon is making great progress but he won't be available for Sunday.[LNB]"But he's coming along really well, as he always seems to do, so hopefully that will continue into next week."[LNB][LNB] Rangers 3/10, Draw 4/1, Dundee Utd 9/1
