Former Dee Harkins is impressed by Terrors

“It can go one of two ways on the back of their win against Hibs,” he said.

“They could take their eye off the ball or it may fire them up and they go again.

“We just need to go into it the same way we go into every game and try to win it.”

Despite his praise for Saturday’s opponents, Gary believes United won’t find it easy at Somerset Park.

“It’s a tough place to come to, as most teams have found out, apart from Hibs, who beat us convincingly.

“We’ll be looking to make it difficult for United.”

In saying that, if United play to their potential, Ayr will be in for a tough afternoon.

“If Dundee United play to their best then it will be a hard game for us.

“Most games we have to play to our best to get anything.”

Meanwhile, Gary admits there is still a special place in his heart for Dundee, amassing 150 appearances during his three spells with the club.

His affiliation with the Dark Blues will set him up for some friendly banter with the United fans, which he expects but also enjoys.

“If they didn’t shout at me I’d be more worried. Its good fun and I pretty much get it everywhere I go anyway. I actually quite enjoy it!”

He still keeps an eye on Dundee’s plight in the Premier league and, although they’re at the wrong end of the table, he thinks they have too much quality in their ranks to be there for long

“They have good players, I expect them to get away from the bottom.”

Gary Harkins (right) also paid tribute to his old Dundee team-mate Lewis Toshney (left) but has warned the game in Ayr will be a hard one.