Source: Team_Talk
Levein: Snow need to worry
United boss Craig Levein voiced his concerns over the fixture after Tayside was hit by a blizzard on Friday morning, but within hours a thaw had begun to set in and soon those fears proved unfounded.[LNB]United, whose undersoil heating had been in operation, trained on the surface today and, with groundstaff working to roll the grass, Levein expects it to be in excellent condition for Caley's visit.[LNB]He revealed: "The pitch is in good condition; all the snow we had yesterday has disappeared.[LNB]"It was quite deep and I didn't think the game had much of a chance.[LNB]"But the heating has been on overnight and that's worked.[LNB]"There are still a few heavy patches but we managed to train on it no bother and, by tomorrow, I'd expect it to be fine."[LNB]United go into this game on the back of three defeats - albeit one of them on penalty kicks to Celtic and one at Ibrox against Rangers.[LNB]Being dumped out of the Scottish Cup by Hamilton last weekend was a particularly bitter blow, although Levein is confident being back on home turf will aid his players' recovery.[LNB]He said: "We've had some tough games lately, two against the Old Firm and then a Hamilton side which is the in-form team in the country.[LNB]"So there are factors behind the games we've lost but this weekend we're back at home again, for the first time in a few weeks, so I'm looking for a much improved performance.[LNB]"We always have confidence at Tannadice and we're at the stage where, even against the Old Firm, we feel we can get a result.[LNB]"So, of course, this is one we feel we can win."[LNB]Caley have picked up since Terry Butcher was appointed manager, beating Kilmarnock in the cup last weekend to build on their SPL draw with Celtic in his first game in charge.[LNB]This follows a trend usually seen when a new boss arrives, although Levein is well aware of the former England captain's powers of motivation.[LNB]He said: "We'll need to be at the top of our game because Caley are going very well under Terry.[LNB]"Teams nearly always pick up when a new man is appointed and that has been the case up there because the two results they have had so far have been excellent.[LNB]"He's a motivator and will have his players well fired up so we know it's going to be tough.[LNB]"They've added a few players, including Eric Odhiambo, who was with us last season.[LNB]"He didn't play as much as he hoped last season but he's a year older now and I'm sure he'll be a success up there."[LNB]Paul Caddis, who is on loan from Celtic, should make his United debut but James Wesolowski will have to wait another week.[LNB]Midfielder David Robertson and Paul Dixon are also in line for recalls.[LNB]Levein said: "Paul Caddis is available, so he's in my thoughts, but James Wesolowski won't make it.[LNB]"James has been working with the physio for the last few days so I'll leave him for another week or so."[LNB][LNB]
