Houston’s United ready for first real derby in seven years

Peter Houston insists Dundee United would never dare write off rivals Dundee going into tomorrow’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League meeting.

Houston’s side have been made overwhelming favourites to claim the bragging rights from the first competitive Dundee derby in seven years when they welcome the SPL new boys from across the road.

But Houston has told his players they must match Barry Smith’s newly-promoted side blow for blow or else they could up on the receiving end of a shock. He said: “We’re preparing ourselves for nothing other than a very tough derby match. Make no mistake, we are going up against a team who will give it everything and get stuck in right from the start.”

Houston is preparing for his first competitive Dundee derby as manager. and admits he can feel the atmosphere which is gripping the City of Discovery.

He said: “We are obviously really up for it because it’s a special occasion. This is the exactly the kind of occasion we want to see in Scottish football, a full stadium is such a healthy sign.