The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Johnston happy to hear United won’t park bus
East End Park boss hopes United approach will suit his side
Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston believes Dundee United’s desire to win at East End Park will suit his side down to the ground.
Everything the Pars have touched this season has turned to goals and their total of 21 in the Championship puts the Tangerines’ seven in the shade.
With that in mind, you could expect the opposition to park the proverbial bus against the league leaders in the big game tomorrow.
However, that is not United’s style and Ray McKinnon’s men – who sit third in the table and are two points adrift of table-topping Pars – are expected to try to attack the Fifers, having finally looked the part up front against Morton last Saturday.
As far as Johnston is concerned, that’s ideal.
The Pars boss said: “We are playing against the team that has probably been favourites with the bookies since the start of the season.
Johnston continued: “They expected Dundee United to run away with the league and that puts a lot of pressure on them as well.
“The good thing about it for us is that they will come and try to win the game and won’t be sitting in. They will have a go and that should suit the way we play.”
Dunfermline had a comfortable afternoon up in Angus last Saturday as they saw off Brechin without too much trouble.
However, Johnston expects United to provide a much stiffer test and is mindful of the Pars’ poor recent record against the Tannadice side.
“United have good players like James Keatings, who is someone who has won this division a number of times, and experienced guys like Scott McDonald,” said Johnston.
“So we know we are going to have to defend really well to have any chance to win the game.
“But we have been defending really well and haven’t been losing goals while still being a threat going forward. They (United) have been getting a bit of stick but they are still just two points off the top.
“There is not much in this league. “I think it’s all about consistency and being able to put a run of results together.
“Last year we didn’t manage to beat the top teams in the division but this time we have been getting the results.
“This is another test for us and we didn’t maybe get what we deserved in games against United last season.
“Sometimes that came down to a wee bit of quality and sometimes they just managed to get that goal. They have been tight games.
“United do have a lot of good players but we do, too, and are flying just now.
“This is really competitive league and we have to make sure we don’t rest on our laurels but instead keep working hard.
“So we are going into the fixture with a lot of confidence while also knowing we will have to be at our best.”
Johnston believes the feelgood factor at the club has been hugely boosted by the Scotland under-21 call-up for Ryan Williamson and under-19 recognition for Callum Smith and Stuart Morrison, who is on loan at Edinburgh City.
“Yes it’s great news but it’s not only Ryan but also Stuart and Callum, who has been flying,” he added.
“It is good to have those lads getting recognition because they have all been doing really well. I am delighted for Ryan because he deserves it.
“He has worked incredibly hard and I think anyone who knows him would tell you how professional he is.
“Every day he trains and gives 100%, works on his weaknesses and is always willing to improve and listen to advice. That is the kind of guy he is.”
There has reportedly been interest shown in Williamson and Smith as a result of their fine form.
Interestingly, Johnston was relaxed about all that speculation.
He said: “To be honest, I have been there as a player myself when you see your name mentioned. It gave you a massive lift.
“You just have to make sure that it doesn’t go to your head and that you continue doing the things that brought you success in the first place.
“As a manager you want your players to be confident and I’m sure it will help them play even better. You want your team to be flying high and if the team is flying high then there will be people watching your players.”