Stranraer v Dundee Utd: We’re moving on - McNamara

DUNDEE United manager Jackie McNamara insists his side remain buoyant going into Sunday’s Scottish Cup fifth round tie with Stranraer at Stair Park in the wake of losing Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong to Celtic.

Jackie McNamara: Focused on cup tie. Picture: SNS

United agreed to sell midfielder Armstrong and winger Mackay-Steven to the Glasgow club in a knockdown £2million deal on the final day of the Transfer window.

The pair will be missed for what they brought to the Tangerines but McNamara, whose side are aiming to reach two finals having already sealed their place in the League Cup final, maintains they are focusing firmly on the future.

McNamara said: “It’s about moving on as far as we’re concerned.

“I have great belief in what we’ve got here. That is the bottom line.

“I’m obviously disappointed to lose Stuart and Gary but it’s my job to make sure the team keeps moving forward.

“It’s been a busy few days or so but that’s in the past now. We have another big game coming up against Stranraer on Sunday which we have to give our full attention.”

United won 2-1 against Aberdeen in the League Cup semi-final last weekend at Hampden and McNamara insists confidence is high going into the Stranraer game.

He explained: “It was a great result. We can take a lot from the game and the manner in which we won it.

“I always says we should have confidence going into any game and this one will be difficult as it is against lower league opposition.

“We will try to concentrate on ourselves though and hopefully get into the quarter-final.”

United returnee Paul Dixon is set to be in the squad but fellow new arrival Robbie Muirhead from Kilmarnock is cup-tied.

Mario Bilate is still out as he works his way back from a hamstring injury.

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