By Graeme Dey

GARRY KENNETH yesterday warned that if Jim McInally has shaped East Stirling in his own image then Dundee United will find the third division side anything but pushovers tomorrow.

As a lifelong United fan Kenneth well remembers the qualities McInally brought to the Tannadice midfield, and that makes him wary of what awaits Craig Levein’s side at Ochilview.

“Jim McInally is a hero at United and if his team are anything like he was we’re in for a right battle,” said the defender.

“Jim was a really good player for United in the past so I’m sure the fans will give him a good reception.

“And like any lower league team, this is East Stirling’s cup final. They will see us as a big scalp to take and their players will be looking to show what they can do.

“East Stirling used to be in a bad way, when people said they were the worst team in Britain, but that’s not the case anymore and we know it’s going to be a tough game. But we’re on a great run at the moment and are looking to keep it going.

“We’re in the semi-finals of the league cup and hopefully after this weekend we’ll be in the next round of the Scottish as well.

“The aim is to get to two finals this season. That’s our best chance of silverware every year and we came so close last March to getting a trophy.

“The lads now know they can get to a cup final and compete on that stage so the aim is to get back there—in the league and Scottish cups.”

United head into the tie boosted by skipper Lee Wilkie following striker Jon Daly and Levein in committing his future to the club.

“It’s great that Lee has signed on again,” Kenneth said.

“That’s the manager and the captain now definitely staying so it gives out a good message that the club is really going places.

“Jon Daly has already signed and the manager is speaking to other players too, so hopefully we’ll keep this team together.”

Manager Levein expects a tough game from East Stirling and is leaving nothing to chance.

United trained on Ochilview’s artificial surface yesterday in preparation for the cup tie.

Although the Tannadice boss’s team selection would not be expected to depart much from that which did so well at Parkhead last week, he will be without the suspended Wilkie.

There may also be a change in midfield, with Scott Robertson possibly rested for this fourth-round game.

Meanwhile, Shire boss Jim McInally will field teenage goalkeeper Jamie Newman against United and he welcomes back Eddie Forrest after suspension.

He said, “Having Eddie available is a real boost as he and Craig Tully have the experience to talk Jamie through the game.

“It is not an ideal situation but one thing I have learned at East Stirling is that you just have to get on with things.”

Midfielder David Dunn removed the plaster cast from his arm last week to play against Stenhousemuir and he has suffered no reaction and has been included.

McInally added, “We will do our utmost to bridge the obvious difference in class between the sides.

“I have asked the players to ensure that Dundee United know they have been in a match.

“If I was playing, I would be getting stuck in and I have told my players to make tackles.”

Supporters who still need to collect or buy tickets for the East Stirling game will need to do so before 5pm today as the United club shop is closed tomorrow.

Full-back Sean Dillon is expected to agree a new three-year deal at the beginning of next week.