Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has dismissed suggestions that St Mirren could be suffering from a European hangover when they arrive at Tannadice on Sunday.
The Saints endured a bruising night in Bergen on Thursday, losing out 3-1 to Brann despite a gutsy showing against the Norwegian outfit.
The defeat sealed a 4-2 aggregate reverse as the Buddies exited the UEFA Conference League.
The Premier Sports Cup date in Tayside will be the Saints’ fifth game in a fortnight, while the time spent travelling will undeniably eat into their preparation to face United.
However, Goodwin doesn’t reckon that will be a defining factor.
He said: “Stephen Robinson has done fantastically over the past couple of seasons with top-six finishes and getting them into Europe.
“I think they can be very proud of their efforts against a good Brann side.
“But I don’t think fatigue will play a part.
“St Mirren have a strong squad and good strength in depth, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see four or five changes from the team that started the game on Thursday night.
“The players who would come in are quality players.”
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Goodwin added: “It’s a game we have to approach in a positive fashion. Being at home, we are looking for a repeat of the first-half performance against Dundee. If we reach those standards again, we give ourselves a really good chance.”
Meanwhile, Goodwin confirmed that loan arrival from Liverpool Luca Stephenson “will feature at some point”, while Ross Docherty “had a really good week of training” as he considers whether to restore the Tangerines’ captain to the squad.
Vicko Sevelj is suspended.
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