The ball’s in your Courts
Boss urges United to grab semi-final spot
TAM COURTS reckons Dundee’s derby win was bigger than rattling Rangers but leading Dundee United to Hampden would easily eclipse everything.
United go into tonight’s quarter-final against Hibs at Tannadice full of confidence after their weekend win over the Dark Blues. The new boss has already masterminded triumphs over Rangers and Dundee but now wants to get past Hibs and reach the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup.
Courts knows United were disappointed after losing last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final to the Hibees and this is a chance for redemption.
The head coach said: “I knew this was going to be a big week, with the derby and the emotional energy attached to that, then we go into a quarterfinal on Thursday and go to Celtic Park on Sunday.
“The key thing was to try to embrace what the week was going to be like.
“I knew a good result and performance in the derby could be a catalyst towards the preparation for the Hibs game and that’s how it transpired.
“It would mean everything to get to the semi-finals. I’ve spoken before about the club’s inability to get through the group stage so the fact we are one game from Hampden is great.
“We got there last season and the players feel they underperformed a bit in the Scottish Cup semi-final. So there’s a motivation, particularly with fans back in the stadiums, to have that plan again to get to a semi-final.”
Courts was well aware he had to get a result at the weekend after Dundee’s return to the top-flight. He also knew it would be a big day for getting the United support on-side, with some concerned about his lack of top-level experience.
When asked what was bigger, beating Dundee or Rangers, Courts said: “Probably the derby because it means so much to the fans.
“The Rangers performance and result came at a time when we’d had a poor performance at Aberdeen. I think the fans were looking for an insight into what a Tam Courts team was going to look like – and Dundee United’s display at Pittodrie certainly wasn’t it.
“So the Rangers performance and result was very much about getting a buy-in from the fans and players.
“Against Dundee it was a confirmation that we’re on the right track.
“Football fans live from Saturday to Saturday but Dundee United supporters are known to value hard work, commitment and a desire for the club and the players are showing that just now.
“So even in moments like Ayr United away, when I don’t think we played particularly well, the fans’ backing that day was really strong.
“I’d like to think we have convinced a huge section of the fan base but I know that a couple of results either way can change that quickly.”
A big player for United again tonight will be Jeando Fuchs. Courts has been delighted with the Cameroon international’s recent form.
The boss said: “He has earned the respect of the fans because of his work-rate and his quality, the impact he has on the pitch in every game.
“The fans have taken him to their hearts. He enjoys it here but he’s an ambitious guy as well, he wants to get to the very top. If he continues as he is, it won’t be long before there’s a host of people coming to watch him.”
Kerr Smith has recovered from the weekend and will be available, while Trevor Carson is likely to come in for Benjy Siegrist between the sticks.