Source: Team_Talk
Terrors boss sets sights on Hoops
Peter Houston saw Dundee United book their place in the Scottish Cup final - then set his sights on beating Celtic to second spot in the SPL.[LNB] Goals from David Goodwillie and Andy Webster dumped Raith Rovers on Sunday and secured a meeting with Celtic's conquerors, Ross County, at Hampden on May 15.[LNB]As far as Houston is concerned, that showpiece event is now put to the back of their minds as they set about finishing as high as possible in the SPL.[LNB]And, with just five points between them and Celtic, the United boss insists catching the Hoops must be their next aim.[LNB]"We've got to look forward," he said.[LNB]"We'll have a pop at it because we've still got Celtic to play at Tannadice.[LNB]"We've got a massive game against Rangers on Wednesday night and my concern now is freshening things up because this game today would have taken a lot out of the legs.[LNB]"We'll have a go. I know it's a clich but we're going to take each game at a time. People are asking about the cup final but that's on the backburner.[LNB]"My thoughts now are to enjoy tonight and then tomorrow morning plan how we can get something against Rangers at Tannadice and see where itfinal -admits he used Celtic's shock exit 24 hours earlier as a warning to his own players about the dangers of First Division opposition.[LNB]And he revealed how he feared a nervous start to the game could have resulted in a similar fate for his own players.[LNB]Houston said: "I think Raith Rovers would have taken great heart from the way Ross County went about their job yesterday.[LNB]"But I also pointed out to our players that this is what can happen.[LNB]"Yes, I was concerned because I don't think we held the ball up well, I don't think we passed it well at the start and I thought we were very nervous looking.[LNB]"Raith played with a lot of freedom, a lot of good play and passing and moving. The only thing that was missing from them was a real goalscoring opportunity.[LNB]"I was concerned but we saw it through and the second half was a thoroughly professional performance without being outstanding.[LNB]"But, sometimes, in semi-finals you don't need to be outstanding, you just need to grit your teeth and win the match and great credit to the boys, I'm delighted for them."[LNB]Paul Dixon will have a scan on his foot tonight or tomorrow after limping out of the action after just 16 minutes.[LNB]Houston said: "Dixon might have a wee broken bone in his foot, which is a blow for us. It's too early to say whether he will miss the final.[LNB]"It might just be bruised or whatever and I'm hopeful it's not a broken bone because he brings a lot to the team. We'll have to wait and see. It's always 24-48 hours before you know what's happening."[LNB]Raith boss John McGlynn says Ross County's heroics acted as inspiration for his own side but admits the clash with United was just a step too far for his plucky players.[LNB]He said: "You have to take belief from that, I think it was an inspiration to everyone what can be done.[LNB]"We've been playing well for a number of weeks. You don't win games against Aberdeen and Dundee with a poor team.[LNB]"We had an opportunity today and we were happy with the start we made but goals change games and they got a massive lift when they got the goal."[LNB]
