Levein calls for bumper turnout

14 December 2009 15:28
There has been an ongoing spat between the clubs over the issue of United charging half-price admission for entry to the Scottish Premier League match, which was rearranged after the original fixture last month was abandoned due to waterlogging.[LNB]This has resulted in a large section of Rangers supporters boycotting the game and, as a consequence, they are likely to have less than 1,500 supporters at Tannadice.[LNB]United boss Levein is keen to use that to his team's advantage and wants fans to snap up the remaining tickets before kick-off.[LNB]The Tangerines are likely to have in excess of 7,000 home supporters, giving them a unique opportunity to create an uncomfortable atmosphere for the visitors.[LNB]Levein said: "It's a great thing that our fans will outnumber the Rangers supporters.[LNB]"It's maybe not the best news financially, but from the playing side it's good.[LNB]"It's not very often that you will be able to play the Old Firm and outnumber their supporters by five or six to one.[LNB]"So it will mean a lot to our guys to go out and have the vast majority of the people in the stadium right behind them.[LNB]"So I'd urge every United fan who can make it to come along and support the team."[LNB]United suffered a disappointing goalless draw at Hearts on Saturday so go into tomorrow's match four points behind the champions.[LNB]Levein had hoped to be in a position to overtake them but is confident his men can continue to apply pressure.[LNB]The former Hearts and Leicester boss has had a troubled season with injury and suspension, so far being unable to call upon last term's top scorer Francisco Sandaza or captain Lee Wilkie.[LNB]But with Scott Robertson and Jon Daly both back in the team, he sees only further improvement ahead.[LNB]He said: "I'm disappointed we didn't win on Saturday because that was a chance to go into this match only two points behind.[LNB]"But it's a long season and plenty water will flow under the bridge.[LNB]"What we're trying to do is hang in there and, as I keep saying, we'll get stronger as the season goes on.[LNB]"We've seen Scott Robertson and Jon Daly come back, while Francisco Sandaza is starting training again and should be doing the full work by January.[LNB]"That can only augur well for the rest of the campaign and will add a freshness to us.[LNB]"The competition for places will be important. I look around the team and see energy all over the team.[LNB]"I knew this season that we'd be better than last time. We added top players over the summer and that strengthened us.[LNB]"We've had to chop and change because of injury and suspension, which has been frustrating. But, in the main, we've coped with it.[LNB]"Hibs have been doing really well this season and when you look at them they have had a settled team.[LNB]"We've not had that so far but when we do I can only see us improve."[LNB]United have doubts over Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben but both will be given a chance to prove their fitness.[LNB]Levein said: "Prince and Morgaro Gomis have missed training because they have a few wee niggles but we're hopeful they will be able to play.[LNB]"These games are extra-special because there are not too many points between the sides and it's live on television, so it's a real occasion.[LNB]"We're going into it hopeful and confident and I think we deserve to be because we've been doing okay lately."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk