KEITH WATSON admits Dundee United will have to reproduce the same sort of never-say-die spirit they displayed earlier this season against Celtic when they take the field at Parkhead tonight.
The last time the sides met at the start of November, the Tangerines looked certain to slump to defeat after the Hoops secured a 2-0 advantage with just 10 minutes remaining.
However, Peter Houston’s side refused to buckle and hit back with a Gary Mackay-Steven strike and then won a precious point in the dying seconds when Efe Ambrose headed a whipped-in cross from Barry Douglas into his own net.
Watson knows they will have to show similar resilience again tonight against a Celtic side bang on form.
He said: “Celtic are just looking to kick on. They beat Hearts comfortably 4-1 at the weekend so we know how tough it is going to be. Their fans will be up for it as well but we have to look to try and take what we did in the Kilmarnock game into the Celtic match.
“We nicked a draw against Celtic the last time we played them at Tannadice. We didn’t look like doing that but we showed the value of never giving up that day and we have to display that same sort of spirit on Tuesday.
“If we do, we will have a chance. I think that result stung them a bit. They probably thought the game was won and switched off a little. They’ll be dying to put that straight by beating us this time.”
Watson acknowledged that if United are to stop Neil Lennon’s side triumphing he and the rest of the United defence will have to ensure Celtic’s prolific hitman Gary Hooper is kept quiet.
The Glasgow side last week rejected a £5 million bid from Norwich for the player, who has netted 19 times in all competitions already this season for the club.
Watson confessed he felt the offer undervalued the player considerably.
He said: “I can definitely see why they’ve knocked back this bid I think he’s obviously worth a lot more than that.”
United, of course, have a few prize assets of their own, including wing wizard Gary Mackay-Steven, who produced another piece of magic out of his box of tricks on Saturday at Kilmarnock.
The GMS Juggle is the talk of the football world and Watson admitted the whole squad had been lifted by the 22-year-old’s return after almost two months out with a broken hand.
Watson said: “Gary was absolutely brilliant against Kilmarnock. He produced one bit of magic in particular but, to be honest, he does loads of different tricks all the time in training.
“To see him then do something like that in the Kilmarnock game was class. It’s great to have him back in the team. Gary gives the whole place a lift the players and fans alike.”
United boss Peter Houston has a full squad to choose from with Stuart Armstrong, Richie Ryan and Brian McLean all back in contention.