Mikkelsen and Stanton give United a boost ahead of Alloa trip

Dundee United have boosted their squad ahead of travelling to Alloa this afternoon on William Hill Scottish Cup duty, Thomas Mikkelsen returning from a loan at Ross County, and Sam Stanton converting his loan from Hibs into a permanent switch having signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Manager Csaba Laszlo said: “We needed a striker with presence and Thomas has that. He is ready to play straight away. Sam [pictured] saw his future here so we were able to get things done quickly.” Home manager Jim Goodwin believes United will not be demoralised after their 6-1 thumping by Falkirk and a goalless draw with Dunfermline.

He said: “They are a good side who hit a bump in the road that they will overcome.”

Goodwin includes new loan signings Jamie Mccart from Celtic and Jordan Kirkpatrick from St Mirren. Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston, who has signed James Craigen following his release from Falkirk, is expecting a tough contest against visitors Morton. He said: “Our recent games have been very tight and I expect this one to be as well.”

Morton manager Jim Duffy said: “We are probably second favourites as we are away from home and that brings added pressure but every tie in a cup competition has pressure. It is all about how you handle that pressure.”

Arbroath manager Dick Campbell reckons that noone will give his side a chance when they visit Ayr, despite two wins there already this season.

He said: “We have come from behind twice to win there but no-one is expecting us to complete the hat-trick. We will use that as motivation.”

East Fife manager Darren Young has done what homework he can on Highland League visitors Brora Rangers. He said: “Brora have not managed to play many games recently but I sourced footage of their win at Stranraer in the last round and saw some action from a game against Buckie. They have good players and the experience to trouble a lot of teams.”

Livingston’s home tie with Falkirk and the Peterhead v Dumbarton match have both been postponed and rearranged for Tuesday.