Dundee United’s Scott Robertson believes his side can start to home in on retaining the Scottish Cup playing away at Ross County on Tuesday night.
Peter Houston’s side head north to Dingwall for a replay after drawing 0-0 with the Staggies at Tannadice a fortnight ago.
However, Robertson insists they can travel with confidence because of their impressive away form.
“We have found it quite hard at home this season because I think that after the season we had last year, people tend to sit in against us a bit more,” he said.
“But away from home, they open up and that helps us because it makes for a more flowing game.
“It probably suits us to play away from Tannadice at the moment, although we know that our form at home is something we need to improve on.
“I do not think going up there is necessarily a bad thing, but it’s going to be tough.
“We have been up to Dingwall plenty of times over the years so we know exactly what to expect.
“I thought when I left Dundee and moved out of the first division I wouldn’t see it again for a while but I’ve been back every season.
“This is the second time this season we have been up there and we are hoping for a similar result as in the League Cup.
“I have done okay up there since going to United, which is better than when I was with Dundee where I do not think we even scored a goal in several visits.
“Ross County will be really up for it because they will think they are due a win against us. So we know we will have to be at our very best.
“It’s a long day going up there you have to leave early and get back very late at night. So that’s where your professionalism has to come in.”First childUnited defender Sean Dillon will travel to face the Staggies even though he missed training on Monday following the birth of his first child late on Sunday night.
The Irishman was given the day off but has told manager Peter Houston he will be on the bus north.
Assistant boss Gary Kirk who confirmed David Goodwillie and David Robertson will be in the squad, knows United face a nail-biting 90 minutes as they try to retain the trophy.
“Sean’s wife had a baby on Sunday night but he will be in place tomorrow,” said Kirk.
“He’s hyper about it and has been on the phone to the boys a couple of times.
“We gave him the day off but he is desperate to play against Ross County so he will be there.
“He will have had a big boost from seeing the baby born so missing one day of training will not affect him.
“We have been up to Ross County a few times lately and it’s always difficult.
“I spoke to Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn after their game up there on Saturday and he said they were as well-organised as ever, so we are expecting a tough one.
“We spoke about how hard they made it for us in the League Cup so the boys all know what to do.
“They have been warned that if there is any slackness at all, Ross County will take advantage of it.
“We have done well away from home in the cups in the last few years. You do not approach those games any differently so they all know their jobs.”
Kirk revealed that injured duo Danny Swanson and Mihael Kovacevic are stepping up their training by going through their paces with the club’s youths.
“Danny and Mihael have been training with the kids so we are hoping they will be able to build it up and be back before too long,” he added.
County manager Willie McStay said, “The players were determined to put on a good show at Tannadice to make up for last season’s final and they did that.
“They are now hoping to put on an another good show and win through to the next round.”
McStay could welcome striker Paul Di Giacomo back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.