Dundee Utd V Ross County at Tannadice Park : Match Preview

22 August 2014 16:31
Dundee Utd V Ross County - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Donnelly wants positive response

Dundee United assistant manager Simon Donnelly is backing his players to respond in the right manner from their heavy defeat at Celtic when they face Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.

United welcome Derek Adams' County to Tayside this weekend hoping to make amends for their 6-1 loss at the hands of Ronny Deila's team in what was a day to forget for the Tangerines.

But they had chalked up two straights wins over Aberdeen and Motherwell prior to their defeat in Glasgow, and Donnelly believes they can bounce back in front of their home supporters.

"Everybody was just really disappointed with how things went last weekend, for obvious reasons," he said.

"But it's good we've got this game where we can look to make up for that and hopefully the players are ready to bounce back.

"There are always setbacks in football but the best thing you can do is get a positive result in the next game.

"That's what we're aiming to do and we know that if we play like we know we can, we are capable of getting the three points.

"The boys have trained well this week and are all focused on the job in hand.

"There are no easy games in this league and County themselves will be fired up to do well.

"But we've got to match that and hopefully by doing so we can play like we're capable of get the three points.

"We hope to show it's just a one-off."

United lost their 100 per cent start to the new season by going down to Celtic, but know a win over County would see them sit with nine points from a possible 12 this early in the campaign.

But Donnelly maintains they have still made a solid opening to the new term, considering the start they have had to undertake.

He said: "Looking at things, you would be happy with the start we've made with six points out of nine.

"Our first three games have seen us play three teams who finished above us last season. That is a tough start for any club.

"We want to build on what's been a decent start and the best way to do that is by returning to winning ways this weekend, although we know it won't be easy."

United have lost midfielder Stuart Armstrong to an ankle injury but winger Ryan Dow (thigh) and defender Jaroslaw Fojut (Achilles) have both recovered from injuries.

Ross County defender Scott Boyd knew their new-look team might take some time to gel - but he is desperate to start claiming points as they travel to Tannadice.

County have lost their first three games of the Scottish Premiership season after a summer clear-out which saw 10 new players arrive in Dingwall.

Boyd has been the only remaining fixture from last season's back four but he is determined to ensure the new team gets off the mark when they face a Dundee United side still smarting from their thrashing at Celtic Park.

Boyd said: "It's new to us but we've had pre-season to work on things. It will be fine, we just need a bit of continuity.

"They are young boys coming in and eager to improve. I'm sure we will get stronger as the season goes on, that's something we have done in previous years.

"Obviously it takes a bit of time but we know how hard the league is this year and we don't want to wait too long so the boys are all raring to go.

"I think we were unfortunate not to take anything from our first two home matches and we're going into Saturday looking to turn that around.

"I'm sure they will be hurting as well but we're the exact same after a disappointing start."

Ross County manager Derek Adams has one or two knocks to contend with but he declined to name the injury concerns.

Defender Steven Saunders will miss out again as he awaits news on tests on his injured ankle.


Source: PA