Source: Team_Talk
Levein dismisses Hoops hoodoo
The Tangerines have not won against the Parkhead side since August 1999 when goals from Craig Easton and Billy Dodds gave Paul Sturrock's team a victory.[LNB]Six managers and countless players have passed through Tannadice since then and none have been able to conjure up a win over the Hoops.[LNB]But Levein, who has been linked with the vacant Scotland job, believes the turnover in personnel at both clubs means records like this one are meaningless - although he will be doing his best to smash it on Sunday.[LNB]He said: "Someone told me recently that it's 10 years since we beat Celtic but I don't read anything into that.[LNB]"It has no bearing on results. If you go back even five years I don't think any of the players here now were at the club, so it doesn't affect them.[LNB]"Recent form is the thing to look at, although even that is diluted a bit by the fact Celtic have a new manager this season and new players.[LNB]"We've had a lot of draws against them since I came here and on a few occasions we've been close to winning.[LNB]"The one thing that shows me is that we're not fazed by playing the Old Firm, which is a good attitude to have."[LNB]United could be boosted by the return of Garry Kenneth to their squad, only 10 days after he was ruled out for up to eight weeks with a groin strain.[LNB]The defender returned to light training on Friday and may be considered for a place on the bench.[LNB]Levein revealed: "Garry trained with us and although he didn't do everything he's made good progress.[LNB]"We'll see how he is over the weekend."[LNB]Levein is desperate for his team to claim victory and balance up a record which is skewed in favour of their away form.[LNB]United have traditionally been stronger at home under Levein and while he is delighted at the number of away wins they have recorded, he wants more from his players in front of their own fans.[LNB]He said: "Funnily enough, this season our home form is not as good as our away form.[LNB]"In some respects I'm happy about that because it shows we're doing well on the road.[LNB]"The last two games at home, the friendly against Dundee and the abandoned game against Rangers, I was pleased with our work.[LNB]"We've played Killie away in between that and won that match so I'm happy with our form at the moment.[LNB]"We're still not firing on all cylinders but we're definitely improving.[LNB]"I'm expecting us to play well, the lads have been sharp in training and are ready for it.[LNB]"The fact it's a television game adds another edge to it.[LNB]"I think we owe our supporters a performance at home so hopefully we'll be able to produce it this weekend."[LNB]Celtic have a number of injury problems but Levein insists they will remain formidable, saying: "Celtic have got strength in depth so whoever comes in will be a good player.[LNB]"It doesn't matter who they bring in, it will still be a tough game."[LNB][LNB][LNB] Dundee Utd v Celtic. Click here to bet.
