Former Dundee United star Danny Swanson has thrown down the gauntlet to his old club as the race for Europe hots up.
St Johnstone are now breathing down the Tangerines’ necks and are one result away from over-taking their Tayside neighbours, albeit United have two games in hand.
Swanson, a Scottish Cup winner with the Tannadice side, believes his old employers have a big challenge ahead to pick themselves up after a gruelling four-game mini-series against Celtic.
Apart from an aberration against Partick Thistle, Saints are in excellent form and Swanson believes hunting down United, and probably the last Europa League place, is now a realistic goal.
“We’re catching Dundee United,” the on-loan playmaker, who scored a spectacular winner against Celtic, said.
“I think they’ll be looking over their shoulders a wee bit now.
“When I first arrived here the gaffer was saying that United were out of sight and we’d just try to get in the top six.
“But now? It’s very much on.
“They’ll need to dig deep and we’ll find out if they are capable of it. They’ve lost two of their best players and we’ll see what they’re made of.”
When the action resumes after the international break, Swanson believes it will be clear whether United have suffered psychologically and physically from the Celtic saga.
“They must be glad to come out the other side,” he pointed out.
“I heard McNamara on radio saying how tired their boys looked.
“He was saying the break’s come at a good time for them, and it probably has.
“We’re looking strong again after Saturday’s win. It could be close I think.”
Meanwhile, Swanson has backed his old Tannadice team-mate, Johnny Russell, to cement his place in the Scotland squad.
The Derby County man was a second half substitute in Wednesday night’s friendly against Northern Ireland, and Swanson believes he belongs in international football.
“Johnny deserves his place in the squad,” said Swanson. “He’s been brilliant at Derby
“It’s an achievement in itself keeping his place in the Derby team considering the players they’ve got.
“Derby play a three up front and he’s one of their wide players usually, but I wouldn’t class him as a midfielder.
“He’s better further up the pitch because he’ll get you a goal and create one. Just off a main striker is probably his best position, I’d say.
“He’s the kind of boy who would do a job for you everywhere. That’s the type of player Gordon Strachan likes.
“It’s not just this season that he’s done well. He’s been consistent over the last few going back to when we played together at United.
“There are a lot of players from the English Premier League in the Scotland squad these days but if Johnny gets his chance I definitely think he’ll take it.”
Derby’s form has tailed off of late, but Swanson has predicted they will still secure promotion to the English top flight and Russell will cut it when they get there.
“Just look at Scott Arfield,” he explained.
“I don’t think anyone would have described him as one of our best players when he was up here.
“But he did a job in the Championship with Burnley and he’s done the same in the Premier League. I think he’s played 30-odd games. Any time I’ve watched Burnley he’s done very well.
“So if he can do it then Johnny would definitely be capable.
“Derby have hit a few bumps but I still think they’ll go up.”