Ian Harkes reckons Dundee United’s humiliating 9-0 defeat against Celtic will help to fuel the Tangerines’ daunting mission to Parkhead on Saturday.
Harkes, 27, was withdrawn after 58 minutes of that chastening reverse in August — United’s heaviest ever loss at Tannadice.
It proved to be Jack Ross’ final match in charge of the Terrors, with the former Hibs and Sunderland boss departing within 48 hours of the full-time whistle.
As such, visiting Glasgow’s East End — where Celtic have won five out of five league matches, scoring 16 goals in the process — is an ominous prospect.
Yet, Harkes is determined to embrace the challenge.
United claimed a 1-1 draw at Parkhead last September, albeit the context of that fixture was very different — with Ange Postecoglou struggling to kick his new-look Hoops team into gear at the time.
They would soon get motoring and lift the Premiership title.
Harkes was the man who headed home the leveller that afternoon and, while under no illusions about the task ahead, he is keen to emphasise that the Hoops are not unbeatable.
“It’s obviously going to be an incredibly difficult game,” Harkes told Courier Sport.
“That (9-0) result is lingering in the back of our heads and we all know it was embarrassing.
“However, that gives us the fire to make sure nothing like that ever happens again.
“We are going there knowing Celtic aren’t invincible.
“They have been on a very good run and are a good team.
“It is up to us to find ways to exploit them. We need to stay smart, keep to our shape and try to stop any early goals and hopefully get the crowd on our side, away from home.”
Steal points
United, seeking to recover from three successive defeats, will then host Kilmarnock on Wednesday; a bona fide six-pointer in the battle at the bottom.
The Tangerines’ final fixture before the break is another tough away day at Aberdeen next Saturday.
“We need to steal points in these games before the break,” continued Harkes. “That would give us a bit of belief and momentum for the second half of the season.
“We know we are a good side and you can see it during moments of games.
“However, it’s about putting those moments into whole performances, sticking together and being hard to break down.”
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