Neilson hails supporters ahead of Caley Jags match

Robbie Neilson was so impressed by Dundee United’s travelling support that he can’t wait to meet the home fans.

The new Tangerines boss has mentioned on numerous occasions how taken aback he was to see almost 1,000 people in the United end on Saturday at Firhill.

That much-appreciated backing helped the players towards an extremely welcome 2-1 win over Partick Thistle and now Neilson is relishing the prospect of his first match in charge at Tannadice against Inverness Caley Thistle this weekend.

United as a team have made themselves tough to love for some time now and even some diehards have become disillusioned.

Now, though, Neilson believes the future could be bright tangerine if the players can carry the punters with them this season.

He said: “The support we took down there was sensational for the players.

“To come out at Firhill when it hasn’t been that great a season, let’s be honest, and see that almost 1,000 fans had travelled down from Dundee to support them gave them a lift.

“We want to get back to where we belong because that’s when we will really start to fill the place.

“I used to love coming here as an opposition player because they were always big games.

“So I know what the United fans are like and the backing that they can give the team, so hopefully we can get back to that.”

Stewart Murdoch is available after suspension but you get the feeling Neilson will stick by his Firhill starters for the visit of the Highlanders.

He added: “It’s good to get him back because he trains well and he’s a good addition to us.

“The players did really well against Thistle so it’s going to take something special in training to alter the team.”

Robbie Neilson: Pleased with away support