Houston ready for 'difficult task'

17 September 2010 14:07
Manager Peter Houston has warned his Dundee United side that Rangers will be on the attack in Saturday's SPL clash at Ibrox.[LNB] Defending champions Rangers will be seeking a fifth win from five league games this season at the end of a week in which they were commended for their resolute defensive display in the Champions League 0-0 draw at Manchester United.[LNB]Houston expects Walter Smith's side to adopt an altogether different approach tomorrow, while he also hopes his United side can cause the hosts problems.[LNB]Houston said: "We know that we're in for a difficult task, but rather than fear it it's one that we look forward to."[LNB]Rather than adopt a defensive wall like Rangers did at Old Trafford, Houston plans to urge his side to push forward.[LNB]"It's a case for believing in the players that I've got - and I do," he added.[LNB]"I believe we have players who could cause Rangers problems.[LNB]"We'll certainly try our best to play open football when we have it, but when we've not got it we'll make sure we're behind the ball and make it difficult for Rangers."[LNB]Houston was impressed with Rangers' display at Manchester United.[LNB]He said: "I thought it was a fantastic performance from Rangers - well-organised, good possession at times, especially second half, and good on the counter attack.[LNB]"The longer the game went on I felt they could maybe sneak it.[LNB]"In the same breath they had to do some solid defending and they made it look fairly easy.[LNB]"When you go to Old Trafford and the goalkeeper (Allan) McGregor has hardly had any saves to make then you've got to credit the guys in front of him for doing that and I'm sure Allan will be the first to do that."[LNB]Houston anticipates a more positive Rangers tomorrow.[LNB]He added: "They'll come at us. It will be a totally different game.[LNB]"They'll have full-backs going forward all the time, they'll get midfield players going into the box, they'll probably play with two strikers.[LNB]"If you look at the players that didn't start (at Old Trafford) - (Nikica) Jelavic, (James) Beattie, (Kyle) Lafferty, Vladimir Weiss - they might freshen it up a wee bit.[LNB]"They won't sit back, they'll be looking to attack us and that's when our organisational skills are going to work.[LNB]"Rangers at Ibrox is always a difficult game."[LNB]Dundee United recorded a 3-1 win at home to Aberdeen last week courtesy of three goals in the opening 10 minutes and morale is good ahead of the trip to Glasgow.[LNB]"The confidence was high, the fact that we got that win," said Houston.[LNB]"If we get a start like we did last week tomorrow I'll be more than happy."[LNB]There are doubts over the fitness of Craig Conway, Morgaro Gomis and David Robertson.[LNB]The midfield trio picked up knocks against the Dons and may not be fit for the match, while Danny Swanson (hamstring) remains the only definite absentee.[LNB]Any absence of Conway, Gomis and Robertson would impact on United's prospects of success at Ibrox, but Houston hopes his charges can utilise the possession they have successfully.[LNB]He added: "Ball retention's very important because you're going to be put under pressure by people coming forward.[LNB]"The biggest thing for us is when we do win it back is how we use it and how we can cause them problems and how we can create chances ourselves."

Source: Team_Talk