One thing in mind the Premiership

things right off the pitch as well. He has been really upbeat.”

With the big kick-off against Saints just eight days away, Robson is relishing what lies ahead even though Covid-19 will make it a very different experience from what he and everyone else would have wished for.

He said: “I don’t see any reason why we can’t really compete in the Premiership and do well in the cups this season.

“Over the summer, it has been slowly sinking in that we are about to be playing games against Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen etc.

“It is a massive step-up from the Championship but I think all of our boys are ready to take that step.

“We are confident in all of our own abilities as individuals and collectively as a team. We will be going to big stadiums and playing against top players but it will be great for us, even if it is under these circumstances.

“I think we deserve that excitement after working so hard to get to the top flight.

“United are a massive club within Scotland and always have been.

“The unusual thing has been that we have been in the Championship for a few years.

“This is now United going up to where we feel we belong.

The Tangerines will host Kilmarnock behind closed doors tomorrow in their fourth pre-season friendly.

Robson featured in the 4-1 win over Rangers at Murray Park on Wednesday in what looked to be a full-strength United side.

He added: “It has been hectic with these friendly games but I think we have a brilliant squad and everybody is looking well.”

for everything the Premiership can throw at them.