United gaffer keen to inflict further home misery on Hibs

DUNDEE United boss Ray McKinnon will tell his players to remember what they did last time Hibs visited when the Championship promotion favourites clash at Tannadice tonight.

The Tangerines were well beaten when they travelled to face the Hibees at Easter Road in their first game of 2017.

But a month earlier they won 1-0 when the pair met in Tayside. Ray believes a repeat of that performance can take the points this time.

“We have to focus on the good things and what we did at Tannadice last time they came here. It was a very good win that night,” he said.

“If we can replicate that atmosphere and that commitment then we have a very good chance.”

And as highly as he rates Hibs, Ray knows his side are capable of coming out on top.

“I went to see Hibs beat Ayr in the cup last week and they were good, as usual. They are a decent side and from 2-0 last Saturday it could have been four or five.

“They have good quality in their team. They are very lively up top, McGinn is excellent in midfield.

“But we’ve played them three times this season, lost and drawn down there and won here. We played badly in the defeat but we did well in the other two games and I know we can beat them.”

Ray also confirmed Lewis Toshney has returned to the squad after a month out with a pulled hamstring, saying: “Tosh has been running for the past week and a bit and he’s been with the squad this week, so he’s fine.”

That leaves Blair Spittal, whose damaged ankle ligaments will keep him out for a few more weeks, as the only notable absentee tonight.

Meanwhile, as part of Sean Dillon’s testimonial against Hearts on Tuesday week, fans can bid for the chance to play the last 15 minutes.

The successful bidder will get to line up alongside the likes of Barry Robson, Craig Conway, Jon Daly and Andy Webster as United finish the game with the majority of the 2010 cup winning team. A strip signed by the players taking part will be provided after the game.

To enter fans can submit their bid to commercial@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk by 10pm a week today.