Source: Team_Talk
Houston: No news from SFA
Peter Houston has still not heard from the SFA over his criticism of referee Dougie McDonald after last weekend's loss to Celtic.[LNB] Houston, the Scotland assistant manager, described McDonald's officiating as "inconsistent" following last Sunday's last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Celtic, but he is yet to hear if his comments will be met with a punishment.[LNB]"I'm not going to comment on something I've not got yet," said Houston.[LNB]"I'm not sitting waiting on the mail coming in."[LNB]Houston has more immediate matters on his mind, with tomorrow's Scottish Premier League meeting at Motherwell the first of two trips to Fir Park in four days.[LNB]The United boss is adamant his side are concentrating solely on the first encounter, rather than allowing their minds to drift ahead to Tuesday's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final where a last-four place awaits the winner.[LNB]"I'll always think about one game at a time," said Houston.[LNB]"I won't even think about the cup game because it's an entirely different game.[LNB]"It's a different outlook - it's in or out and I'd rather get beaten 5-0 than go there and defend.[LNB]"It'll be hammer and tongs between the two clubs to try to get into a semi-final.[LNB]"But tomorrow's a different type of game where we can hopefully get in and about Motherwell, but we don't need to go kamikaze in a must-win game.[LNB]"We'll try to win every game and try to keep up our decent record away from home against clubs outwith the Old Firm."[LNB]This season United have drawn at St Mirren and Hearts and beaten Kilmarnock on the road and it has been 17 months since they were last defeated away from Tannadice by a side other than Celtic or Rangers - by Motherwell in March 2009.[LNB]Houston praised Craig Brown and Archie Knox, the Well manager and assistant boss, for their stewardship of tomorrow's opponents and is aware United face a difficult contest as they bid to bounce back from last weekend's disappointment against Celtic.[LNB]"Craig and Archie have done a fantastic job," added Houston.[LNB]"Their knowledge and tactical awareness in the SPL would be second to none.[LNB]"I'm expecting a tough game.[LNB]"The thing I would like to think is that our United side, coming off a defeat against Celtic - albeit a last-minute goal - will be at it as well."[LNB]Motherwell have a host of forward threats in Jamie Murphy, John Sutton, Nick Blackman and Chris Humphrey that United must contain in order to succeed tomorrow.[LNB]"One thing for sure is that we've got to defend properly tomorrow because Motherwell certainly know where the goal is," said Houston.[LNB]"Their front four are dangerous opponents."[LNB]Defender Darren Dods remains out after being sent for a scan to ascertain the full extent of his knee problem.[LNB]"No matter what we're doing it's not right, so he's getting a scan," added Houston.[LNB]"I don't know if there's a wee bit of cartilage problem.[LNB]"It leaves us short at centre-back and the biggest thing for me is keeping the two we've got in fit."[LNB]There is better news on midfielder Danny Swanson (back), however.[LNB]Although the double-header with Well will come too soon, Swanson could play a part against Hibernian in a week's time.[LNB]"He might see a sniff next Saturday against Hibs," said Houston.
