Peter Houston disappointed as injury rules Darren Dods out of Scottish Cup final

Published on Friday 7 May 2010 23:20

DUNDEE United defender Darren Dods has been ruled out of next weekend's Active Nation Scottish Cup final against Ross County.

The 34-year-old former Inverness and St Johnstone player has torn cartilage in his knee and will undergo an operation next week to rectify the problem.

United manager Peter Houston is devastated for the popular defender, who was dropped by former manager Craig Levein for the League Cup final in 2008.

"It's such a shame for Dodsy," said Houston.

"He's torn the cartilage in his knee so will need an operation and will miss the final. But he's still here next season so there might be another one for him to look forward to then. Darren is a great professional so we're all really disappointed for him.

"It takes something major for him to miss any game."

United host Europa League-chasing Hibs tomorrow and, while Houston's hand is forced because of injuries to key players, he has vowed to send a strong team out in search of victory.

He said: "It would be nice to sign off with a win.

I'll put out the strongest possible team because we'd like to pick up the three points."

United will rest defender Andy Webster and he will join Danny Cadamarteri, Paul Dixon, Francisco Sandaza and the suspended Morgaro Gomis on the sidelines for Hibs' visit.