Tangerines must handle the heat

04 December 2009 16:46
The Tangerines are hot favourites to dispose of Gus McPherson's side on Saturday after recording an impressive win over Celtic and a creditable draw against Motherwell in their last two matches.[LNB]United's fans have allowed themselves to begin dreaming of lifting the title since they lie only four points behind leaders Celtic and have a game in hand.[LNB]But this weekend United have a whole new level of expectation upon them and Levein, who is being strongly linked with the Scotland job, wants his men to prove they can handle the heat of being up there at the top end of the table.[LNB]He said: "The onus will be on us to take the game to St Mirren because we're at home and that's what people expect.[LNB]"So there's a new kind of pressure on us and the players have to handle that.[LNB]"Against Celtic most people outside of Tannadice didn't expect us to win but this is the exact opposite.[LNB]"That's a new challenge for the players and they have to cope with that.[LNB]"How they handle the pressure is going to be important on Saturday.[LNB]"But I see a resilience in the dressing-room and with the attacking players we've got I'm confident it will be a good game.[LNB]"We'll be going out to score goals and do our best to win the game but it won't be easy.[LNB]"St Mirren have been doing well this season.[LNB]"Peter Houston (assistant manager) has been to see them a couple of times recently and he's come back really impressed.[LNB]"Against Hibs they could have had the game won so we know all about their quality."[LNB]Levein considers this to be the strongest pool of players he's had in his three years on Tayside and believes the whole mental attitude of the club has changed during those years.[LNB]There is a confidence around the corridors of Tannadice these days and that self-belief is a crucial factor behind their form.[LNB]Levein said: "I've said since the start of the season this is the strongest squad I've had since I come here.[LNB]"We have had so many problems with injuries and suspensions this season. Normally that would result in setbacks.[LNB]"But the players have been so mentally strong they've managed to get through everything that has been thrown up at them.[LNB]"It has taken time to get that mindset.[LNB]"There are two different things - there's the side of playing against the Old Firm and competing with them.[LNB]"And more importantly there's the side of getting up to that level of performance every week.[LNB]"That's the key element to it because those are the games you need to pick up points if you want to compete.[LNB]"Over the last few games the players have shown me they're getting towards that."[LNB]United midfielder Scott Robertson returned to training on Friday following a long-standing groin complaint.[LNB]Levein revealed: "Scott Robertson did a bit of training on Friday, which is great because it would be brilliant to get him back."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk