By Ian Roache

DUNDEE UNITED goalkeeper Tony Bullock has already been put through the relegation ringer in the Highlands on the final day of a league season.

That day back in May 2003 thankfully ended on happy note for the Tangerines number one, who was between the sticks for Ross County back then.

A home win for Alex Smith’s men over Ayr United in Dingwall rescued them from demotion to Division Two, with Alloa taking the drop instead.

Bullock will be hoping for a similar outcome when United take on Inverness Caley Thistle, but he would prefer it if he did not have to go through the same agony he did then.

“We needed to win to stay up, but when we came off the park at half-time we were the ones who looked to be going down,” recalled Bullock.

“That was not a nice feeling, I can tell you.

“Our game against Ayr was goalless and Alloa were two up against St Mirren.

“Had things stayed that way we would have been relegated, but thankfully we got a few goals in the second 45 and ended up as 4-1 winners.

“There was a lot at stake for County that day, but our game against Caley Thistle is on a different scale.

“But I am sure relegation won’t be an issue for United and we will be fine.”

Having played in that neck of the woods, Bullock knows there are easier venues than the Caledonian Stadium in which to fight for your SPL survival.

“It is going to be a very difficult game against a very good side,” said Bullock, who is expecting some personal treatment for the ICT fans due to his County connection.

“We have prepared well, though, and are going up the night before to stay in a hotel so we will be as fresh as possible.

“The ball is in our court because we only need a point no matter what Livingston and Dundee do.

“But we will not be sitting back just expecting a draw to land in our laps and will try to take out all the uncertainty by going for the victory.”

Having experienced the heartache of losing a late, late goal to Dunfermline on Sunday, Bullock knows concentration is a priority tomorrow.

United were just two minutes away from safety—then came the Mark Kerr own goal that ensured the agony was prolonged for another week.

“It was a horrible, horrible feeling when the ball hit the net and I don’t want to experience anything like that again,” he said.

“It was nobody’s fault—just one of those things—and it was harsh on us because we had dominated the second half.

“Nothing is guaranteed in football but what I will say to our fans is that we will be professional out there and will be working hard and trying hard to ensure we stay in the SPL.”

There was good news for United last night when striker Jason Scotland was declared available for the trip north.

“Jason has trained and I would say he is now fully fit,” said interim boss Gordon Chisholm.

Fans heading for Inverness on Saturday should leave extra time for their journey as roadworks just south of Aviemore are causing delays of up to half-an-hour.