Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Csaba warns Utd against Livi threat
SINCE their last league outing, Dundee United have been joined in chasing Championship leaders St Mirren by a new challenger.
United have not had a league game since their 3-0 home humbling at the hands of Morton nearly a month ago, and a l ot has changed i n the aftermath.
Namely Livingston have emerged as a serious threat to the Tangerines’ and the Buddies’ title hopes.
The Lions beat St Mirren 4-1 last Saturday and have a game in hand on the leaders.
Csaba insists they must be wary of what will be a formidable foe when they travel to the Tony Macaroni Arena tomorrow night.
The Terrors’ gaffer also warned against the complacency which caused Jack Ross’ Saints to suffer a heavy defeat at Almondvale last weekend.
“First you must be ready for the battle and after you can play football because if you do the reverse it could be a result like St Mirren had,” he said.
“St Mirren tried to be nice, they were very confident as they are the leaders of the Championship but they took Livingston easy and had the result. “For Livingston, it is a great result. “I think we also need to be careful when we go there as Livingston are a very physical team.
“Even (Ryan) Hardie, he gets to the front and is an extra man who is good in their shape and can score goals.
“They were very concentrated for 90 minutes long, they tried the same style but it is very effective.
“Everything they do, they maybe do not show the most beautiful football but it is very effective.
“We must be prepared.”
United have three matches in hand on St Mirren and trail them by 14 points going into their meeting on Friday week.
Csaba knows, however, they must first negotiate the threat of Livi and Queen of the South next Tuesday before they even think about that tie.
“In football we don’t wish for the best result in other games.
“I think every team, if they go out to play football, they want to win.
“After two minutes you thought the game would end up 3-0 for St Mirren.
“Livingston changed it very quickly and they were 3-1 up.
“I don’t wish for anything at the moment, I just watch my team.”