Source: Team_Talk
Houston happy to let Gers appeal
Thomson was sent off during Sunday's Co-operative Insurance Cup final win over St Mirren, but if Walter Smith appeals, the Scotland midfielder could be eligible to play at Tannadice.[LNB]Ibrox assistant manager Ally McCoist has revealed they were considering lodging a challenge amid injury and suspension problems in midfield.[LNB]And, with Scottish Football Association rules dictating that Rangers can appeal up to three days after the match, they could lodge the papers hours before the Tannadice kick-off.[LNB]Terrors boss Peter Houston said: "If I was in the same situation I might well use it (the appeals procedure). The rules are there to be used.[LNB]"If they appeal it then they obviously think they've got a good chance. They're just using what has been put in place by the SFA so we'll have to wait and see."[LNB]United were incensed with the two penalty awards which went against them in the first tie but Houston is happy with referee Dougie McDonald taking charge of the replay.[LNB]He said: "The penalty decisions are over and done with. I was pleased with the character of our players to come back and earn a replay.[LNB]"I've said publicly that I regard Dougie McDonald as an honest referee. I don't expect any different from him so in my eyes he'll go and referee in a similar way.[LNB]"If he does that then I've got to trust his decisions will be good enough for both teams."[LNB]With a semi-final against First Division Raith Rovers lying in wait for the winners, both teams have a superb chance of getting to the final.[LNB]But Houston is not even contemplating what is beyond Wednesday's encounter.[LNB]He added: "I don't look too far ahead. It's just one game at a time even though a lot of people have said it will be a great opportunity to get Raith Rovers in the next round.[LNB]"You can never think you're going to get an easy game against either half of the Old Firm in any competition.[LNB]"But if we do get through I'll be the first to speak about Raith after Wednesday's game."[LNB]United have been drawn away from home in their past nine cup matches but now finally hope to make home advantage count.[LNB]"This will be our first home game in any cup competition this season so in that respect it's a bit of a novelty," Houston said.[LNB]"It's just nice to be at Tannadice. I really like playing in midweek games in front of the floodlights.[LNB]"I'm sure it will be a cracker. Rangers will come and have a go and so will we. Our fans have a big role to play. Their backing in the past few weeks, both home and away, has been magnificent.[LNB]"I'm looking for them to be our 12th man on the night, but we've got to do it from the start."[LNB]Defender Paul Dixon is back fit but may not be risked.[LNB]"The reason is we've got three massive games inside the space of a week - Rangers, Motherwell and Hibs - and I wouldn't like to see him doing any more damage," Houston added.[LNB][LNB] Dundee Utd v Rangers. Click here to bet.
