United’s focus is the same insists key man Butcher

DUNDEE United midfielder Calum Butcher has moved to reassure supporters they remain focused on the task at hand – winning the title.

They have experienced somewhat of a dip in form, falling to a 1-0 defeat against Arbroath on Saturday on the back of a Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Hibs and a 1-1 home draw against league foe Morton.

However, Butcher is convinced United have enough about them to get back on track despite their slight slump.

The 28-year-old enforcer is not concerned about complacency and poor performances creeping into their game after their 13-match unbeaten league run came to an abrupt end against the Red Lichties.

Instead, Butcher prefers to look at the positives, with their sights now fully fixed on maintaining their 17-point lead at the top of the Championship as they bid to secure a return to the top flight after a four-year absence.

“We were on a great run so all the positivity around the club remains,” he said.

“We now know we’re out of the cup and there’s one main focus, which it was at the start of the season, and that’s promotion. “That stays with us now.”

The Terrors grew increasingly frustrated at Tannadice last weekend as they struggled to break down an opponent defending stoutly after taking the lead.

Butcher accepts that is to be expected when their Championship rivals come to town and is urging his team-mates to find a way to deal with it moving forward as their domestic campaign prepares to enter its final stretch.

“It’s part and parcel, especially at home,” he added.

“Teams have done it all season, sat in and made life difficult for us.

“We’ve got to try not to give them a sniff and make sure, when we get our chances, we take them.”

The Tangerines are in the midst of a free week as Scottish Cup fifth-round ties take place across the country.

After bowing out following a replay against the Hibees at Easter