Source: Team_Talk
Houston expects Terrors reaction
Houston is backing his men to get back on track against St Mirren in the Scottish Premier League this weekend, following the blip of losing 2-0 to Accies at home in midweek.[LNB]United were going for eight matches unbeaten but blew that chance, although Hibs' home draw against Aberdeen ensured damage in the race for third place was minimal.[LNB]Houston has masterminded a resurgence in the team's fortunes over the past two months and saw the resilience of his men when they bounced back from a 7-1 defeat at Ibrox.[LNB]And the former Hearts and Leicester coach, who will assist Craig Levein for Scotland's game against the Czech Republic in March, believes they will produce a similar reaction.[LNB]He said: "I didn't need to tell the players they didn't play well on Wednesday.[LNB]"I just took one look at them and could see from their body language that they felt they'd let their standards slip.[LNB]"They are an honest bunch so they don't need me telling them. I don't need to say too much because I can sense how desperate they are to recover.[LNB]"They have bounced back before; it was a wee blip and I'm pretty sure we'll get a reaction this weekend."[LNB]While he is confident of getting a reaction from his own players, Houston knows it will be tough in Paisley against a side buoyed by getting through to the Co-operative Insurance Cup final.[LNB]He is full of admiration for the work done by boss Gus McPherson and rates him as one of the country's top managers.[LNB]He said: "St Mirren are a good side and credit to Gus for the job he's done down there.[LNB]"He's a very good manager. He went into St Mirren as a rookie manager, has taken them into the SPL and now they're in a cup final.[LNB]"For me, they are not too far away from breaking through to be a regular top-six team. They have some very good players, Gus has them well organised and there is plenty of confidence about them.[LNB]"So we know just how tough this game is going to be because when you go down there you know you're in a game."[LNB]United could be without Garry Kenneth, who took a knock against Accies, and are definitely minus Andy Webster, Paul Dixon and Mihael Kovacevic for the trip to Paisley.[LNB]New signing Pavels Mihadjuks will play his second game for the team inside a week, while Jon Daly hopes to pass a fitness test.[LNB]Houston said: "Garry Kenneth has taken a knock and Andy Webster, Paul Dixon and Mihael Kovacevic are definitely out so we're down to the bare bones again this weekend.[LNB]"Jon Daly hasn't been training so we'll wait and see about him but David Goodwillie should be fine.[LNB]"I don't think we've got a player who isn't carrying some sort of problem but that's normal at this stage of the season and we'll just get on with it."[LNB][LNB]
