United warned to be on their guard against Stranraer

Dundee United manager Peter 
Houston insists his side would never underestimate Stranraer in today’s fourth-round tie as they bid to emulate their Scottish Cup heroics of 2010.

Houston’s men lifted the trophy two years ago and set out on another potential road to Hampden when they make the trip to Stair Park to take on the Second Division hopefuls.

United are strong favourites to progress despite their indifferent league form of late, but Houston will not allow any complacency to creep into their thinking.

Houston said: “We know we face a very difficult tie. It’s there for all to see and we won’t be thinking for a minute that is it going to be easy. The last thing we want is to be on the receiving end of some sort of shock which happens in the cup each season.

“Stranraer have a good mixture of youth and experience and any reports we’ve had done on them say they are a capable side. I’ll be stressing that to the players again before kick-off so nobody in our camp will be under any illusions.

“We should progress to the next round if we play like we can. But first and foremost we have to be prepared to go and battle and earn the right to get through.”