Dundee United focused on Aberdeen insists McNamara

Dundee United hope to finish in the top three of the Premiership. Picture: SNS

Aberdeen visit Tannadice with 11 days until United’s showdown with Saints at Celtic Park later this month when they will be bidding to get their hands on the famous old trophy.

But McNamara’s side still have slim hopes of sealing a top-three finish in the Scottish Premiership ahead of their final two games of the season, against the Dons and Celtic.

And McNamara is sure his players have the right approach to ensure they do not let thoughts of the final get in the way of their remaining league matches.

McNamara said: “There is a lot of talk about the final. That is only natural as it’s such a big game. But the lads are a very professional bunch who won’t be letting themselves get ahead of anything.

“We’ve got two league matches before the final which we will be concentrating on, starting with Aberdeen.

“Like any game we go into, we will be looking to get the three points to finish as high up the table as possible.

“Aberdeen are always tough opponents but we will be focusing on ourselves first and foremost.

“We know we’re capable of winning any game on our day and hopefully that turns out to be the case this time.”

McNamara, who returns to the dugout following a recent three-game touchline ban, knows his players will not slacken off as they step up the fight for cup final places.

He said: “There’s plenty incentive for the players. It’s an exciting time for the club.

“We want the players to take every game as it comes to go out and show what they can do.

“Aberdeen deserve credit for what they have done this season. They’ve always been close games between the two teams this season and this one will probably be no different.

“We would obviously like to win what is the last home game of the season.

“It won’t be easy but we can take heart from how we have played recently and hopefully take that confidence into this game.”