Dundee United boss Peter Houston has warned his side they will be confronted by a ”wounded animal” when they travel to face Rangers on Wednesday.
The Tangerines are still chasing a Champions League dream with just five points separating them and third-placed Motherwell with three crunch games left in the season.
United secured a memorable Scottish Cup victory the last time they played at Ibrox, but Houston has warned his players to be prepared for a Rangers backlash in Govan this time as Ally McCoist’s side look to make amends following Sunday’s 3-0 defeat in the Old Firm meeting with Celtic at Parkhead.
He said: ”Rangers are always dangerous when they’re a wounded animal. They’ll be wanting to get back in the good books of their own punters again so we’ll have to be at our best if we’re to win there on Wednesday.
”You have to remember that Celtic played exceptionally well on Sunday. Up until then, Rangers’ form had been really good. We beat them at Tannadice in the league back in March and I thought that we were fortunate to do so, which I actually said after the game.
”But they’ve strung some good results together since then and we know that when they’ve taken a poor defeat from their nearest rivals they’ll be disappointed. Now they’ll be thinking that the best way to get it out of their system is by having a game so quickly. And we’ll have to be on our guard for that.”
United are determined to push Motherwell all the way in the fight for a Champions League qualifier spot but, even if Stuart McCall’s side ultimately pip them at the post, Houston insists his players still deserve enormous credit for their efforts this season.
He added: ”We have to be ready for it but we’re looking forward to going to Ibrox. There’s still a lot to play for as far as we’re concerned.
”The players were disappointed by drawing at the weekend but Hearts are a very good side. And people have to remember what we’ve done this season with reduced budgets.
”So the players should be proud of themselves. They’ve not really achieved anything so far but what they’ve done is put in a fantastic performance.
”No matter what happens between now and the end of the season they can definitely hold their heads up high. Having said that, we’re still going to try and finish as high up the league as we possibly can.
”I look at St Johnstone and Hearts behind us in the league and they’ll still be very keen to catch us.
”There’s only three games left so if we can get a victory somewhere I think it could get us at least fourth position. However, that’s not to say we’re not being ambitious enough to try to get third.”
United defender Gavin Gunning is unlikely to be risked at Ibrox as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.
Houston said: ”Gavin wants to try it but I’d be frightened that it pops out. I don’t expect him to be fit for Ibrox but he might be ready for the Celtic game on Sunday.
”In my own mind, I’d be worried and the next two games might be just as important as things turn out.”