Source: Team_Talk
Hibs are on the up again - Houston
Dundee United boss Peter Houston believes Hibernian have overcome their recent slump in perfect time to rekindle their bid for third place.[LNB] The Easter Road side were looking strong contenders for the prime European slot until they hit a sticky period which included losses to St Johnstone, Hearts, Motherwell and then Ross County in the Active Nation Scottish Cup.[LNB]But they bounced back in style against Falkirk last weekend and Houston believes they are gearing back to top form just in time for this midweek's encounter with United.[LNB]The Tangerines enjoy a two-point advantage over John Hughes' men and are looking to extend that further on Wednesday.[LNB]Houston said: "I think Hibs are through their sticky patch now and they're looking back to their best. They are too good a team to stay like that for too long.[LNB]"I really admire them and what 'Yogi' and Brian Rice have done. They play free-flowing football, love to attack and are great to watch.[LNB]"It has the makings of a really good match. In fact, since we came here the games against them have been excellent.[LNB]"Last time we went down there they battered us in the first-half but I felt we reversed that after half-time.[LNB]"So the teams are evenly matched and to get anything from it we'll need to be at our best.[LNB]"If we can get the win then it would be as close to the perfect week you could get.[LNB]"But that's not the way we're thinking. Yes, we've beat Rangers and Motherwell but this one is just as hard.[LNB]"We've achieved nothing yet, there is plenty of hard work still to be done."[LNB]Houston is a former team-mate of Hughes from their Falkirk days and is a huge admirer of the way his teams play.[LNB]He continued: "I was finishing off when 'Yogi' joined Falkirk. He came as a striker from Swansea but Jim Jefferies quickly converted him into a centre-half.[LNB]"That was the making of him, I think. It was a masterstroke from Jim because 'Yogi' was aggressive, enthusiastic and could really play at the back.[LNB]"I think he preferred the game to be in front of him and he went on to have a great career.[LNB]"I've got a lot of time for him, I like the way his teams play - but obviously we won't be going there to admire them on Wednesday."[LNB]United are without Mihael Kovacevic, David Robertson and the suspended Paul Dixon but have Morgaro Gomis and Jon Daly fully fit and in contention for returns.
