Terrors boss sets sights on Hoops

Peter Houston saw Dundee United book their place in the Scottish Cup final - then set his sights on beating Celtic to second spot in the SPL. Goals from David Goodwillie and Andy Webster dumped Raith Rovers on Sunday and secured a meeting with Celtic's conquerors, Ross County, at Hampden on May 15.As far as Houston is concerned, that showpiece event is now put to the back of their minds as they set about finishing as high as possible in the SPL.And, with just five points between them and Celtic, the United boss insists catching the Hoops must be their next aim."We've got to look forward," he said."We'll have a pop at it because we've still got Celtic to play at Tannadice."We've got a massive game against Rangers on Wednesday night and my concern now is freshening things up because this game today would have taken a lot out of the legs."We'll have a go. I know it's a clich but we're going to take each game at a time. People are asking about the cup final but that's on the backburner."My thoughts now are to enjoy tonight and then tomorrow morning plan how we can get something against Rangers at Tannadice and see where itfinal -admits he used Celtic's shock exit 24 hours earlier as a warning to his own players about the dangers of First Division opposition.And he revealed how he feared a nervous start to the game could have resulted in a similar fate for his own players.Houston said: "I think Raith Rovers would have taken great heart from the way Ross County went about their job yesterday."But I also pointed out to our players that this is what can happen."Yes, I was concerned because I don't think we held the ball up well, I don't think we passed it well at the start and I thought we were very nervous looking."Raith played with a lot of freedom, a lot of good play and passing and moving. The only thing that was missing from them was a real goalscoring opportunity."I was concerned but we saw it through and the second half was a thoroughly professional performance without being outstanding."But, sometimes, in semi-finals you don't need to be outstanding, you just need to grit your teeth and win the match and great credit to the boys, I'm delighted for them."Paul Dixon will have a scan on his foot tonight or tomorrow after limping out of the action after just 16 minutes.Houston said: "Dixon might have a wee broken bone in his foot, which is a blow for us. It's too early to say whether he will miss the final."It might just be bruised or whatever and I'm hopeful it's not a broken bone because he brings a lot to the team. We'll have to wait and see. It's always 24-48 hours before you know what's happening."Raith boss John McGlynn says Ross County's heroics acted as inspiration for his own side but admits the clash with United was just a step too far for his plucky players.He said: "You have to take belief from that, I think it was an inspiration to everyone what can be done."We've been playing well for a number of weeks. You don't win games against Aberdeen and Dundee with a poor team."We had an opportunity today and we were happy with the start we made but goals change games and they got a massive lift when they got the goal."

Source: Team_Talk