Confidence in camp

Beating QOS will help put Utd back on track

challenge for this game will be reproducing that kind of scoring form.

Yes, United were woeful at the back on Friday — but if any defence in the country has earned the right to use the “it was just one of those days” excuse, it’s theirs.

The defending that’s been put in since the end of August has been such, there has to be reason to believe what happened against Hibs was a one off.

The same cannot be said for the lack of goals. Since that day in the borders, nine games since have seen just six goals scored.

To sustain a promotion challenge, that must improve. It’s why Dane Thomas Mikkelsen has been brought in on loan from Odense and there could also be another attacker added before the transfer window ends.

Having arrived in the middle of Denmark’s winter break, he may need a game or two to get match sharp but that’s all the time he can be afforded.

On top of that, United know that last win when the teams met doesn’t mean victory can be taken for granted.

Queens were worthy of their point when they travelled to Tannadice on the opening day of the league season.

And they are a different outfit from the one that couldn’t buy a win back in early November.

They have a new manager in Gary Naysmith. He secured his first win when St Mirren were beaten last weekend. Naysmith has also been adding new faces, not least former United favourite John Rankin who marked his debut by setting up the opening goal against the Buddies. HIBS assistant manager Garry Parker is adamant no one will stop the capital club from romping to the Championship title if they repeat the level of performance that saw them beat Dundee United.

The Easter Road outfit secured a 3-0 triumph over their title rivals on Friday.

However, with a bananaskin trip to Dumbarton on the horizon this weekend, he now reckons the biggest danger to their title bid is themselves.

“We won at Dumbarton earlier in the season with a Jason Cummings penalty, and we are aware that it is a tough, tight venue and teams generally find it hard going there,” said Parker.

Garry Parker “But we are full of confidence and it i s all about us — it is only us who can stop ourselves. If we are on form then we can beat anybody. “The result last week lifts the confidence.”