McNamara eyes United improvement
Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara maintains his team can leave behind their recent dip in fortunes as they head into Saturday's Scottish Premiership match with Hamilton at Tannadice.
The Tayside club have gone 10 games without a win after losing 3-1 to city rivals Dundee at Dens Park in midweek. Now they will attempt to return to winning ways at home to Accies, and their boss believes they can do it.
McNamara said: "We've got a great bunch of lads here. There is a lot of ability in there. It's just a disappointing little run we're on but we have the chance to put that right against Hamilton.
"It's about trying to get the three points on the day. We know it won't be easy but that's what we will be going for.
"We know results recently haven't been great but that is what we're working hard to try and change between now and the end of the season."
McNamara does not wants his players to dwell on their derby disappointment, and has been instructing them to focus instead on the challenge which lies ahead, starting with their home game against Martin Canning's Hamilton team.
The United manager said: "We were all disappointed with what happened in midweek. But what's happened has happened. We can't change it now and must move on.
"We have to pull together and hopefully give the fans something to cheer. There's still a lot to play for and we have to be positive.
"We know what we're capable of on our day and that's what we have to aim for as a team."
United midfielder John Rankin is doubtful after receiving stitches on a leg injury. Jaroslaw Fojut is struggling with an ankle injury but fellow defender Callum Morris could return. Winger Ryan Dow is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Hamilton midfielder Darian MacKinnon admits he is desperate for some payback on Dundee United.
The Accies battler knows he has had two games to forget against the Tannadice side this season.
MacKinnon was handed a four-match ban back in September after lashing out with an elbow at Tangerines midfielder Paul Paton during an off-the-ball clash.
And he was to blame for the 3-2 defeat at New Douglas Park back in January after failing to pick up United matchwinner Sean Dillon at a corner.
That was player/boss Martin Canning's first game in charge and that loss sparked a miserable run of form which has seen Accies fail to win any of their last 12 games.
But with another Tannadice trip to come on Saturday, Hamilton will hope they can halt their slide and cling on to their top-six slot.
MacKinnon, though, says his desperation to get a win this weekend is personal.
He said: "I like playing against United. I got sent off up there at the start of the season but I enjoy going head to head with them.
"Hopefully we can have another battle again on Saturday.
"The last time we played them was Martin's first game. We lost 3-2 and I was rotten that day. I was also at fault for their third goal.
"I've had a wee thing about United since then and I'm desperate to get a win this weekend.
"They are a committed bunch and give as good as they get. But they have good quality too. But we will see what happens on Saturday."
"They've had a difficult time since January a bit like us. With the quality they have got I thought they would stick in there but losing Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven to Celtic has hurt them.
"They have lost their two best players and struggled since."
Like United, Accies have struggled to adapt since losing three top performers.
Former player/boss Alex Neil quit to take over at Norwich and took top scorer Tony Andreu with him, while striker Mickael Antoine-Curier quit to join Burton Albion.
But MacKinnon is pleased 23-year-old playmaker Ali Crawford did not join the January exodus.
Crawford took his goal tally to nine for the season with his strike in last week's 1-1 draw with St Johnstone and MacKinnon said: "Wee Ali is magic.
"He is really good quality and the goals he has scored for a team like us have been excellent. Hopefully he gets a move one day - just not too soon though."
Source: PA
