United boss respects familiar foe in Duffy

Familiarity will breed respect when Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon pits his wits against Jim Duffy at Cappielow on Saturday, writes Ian Roache.

The managerial pair’s paths have crossed several times and McKinnon knows that Duffy will have his Morton players well drilled, especially former Tannadice defender Gavin Gunning.

Indeed, the Greenock side were deserved winners when they knocked United out of the Betfred Cup on September 20, the last time the in-form Tangerines lost a game.

McKinnon said: “I have played sides managed by Jim tonnes of times.

“I went up against him at Brechin a few times, last year when I was at Raith Rovers and now we have played them twice this season already. So there have been a lot of games and I know how good a coach Jim is.

“His team is on a good run, as are we.

“We are strong going into this game but it will be really tough.

“I think we will have two form teams on show at Cappielow.

“Morton have good, experienced players in their squad.

“For example, Gunning is a big brute of a player.

“I didn’t realise how big he was because I hadn’t really come across him. “He has done well for them.” McKinnon also pinpointed Morton frontman Jai Quitongo as a possible threat to the Tangerines this weekend.

“He is a danger,” added the United boss.

“He is a pest of a striker because he chases and harries really well. “We need to be aware of him. “He has been around a few clubs but there is interest in him from down south now.

“So we need to watch him – definitely.”