Keatings relishes Utd having favourite’s tag

the potential to be the hardest of the other games — United will also face Buckie Thistle and Cowdenbeath. Keatings certainly sees it that way. “Raith are a good team, they’re strong and we know that.

“I’ve always found it hard playing against them but I’ve also managed to get a few goals against them so, hopefully, that continues.

“It will be a good one to start off with — a test — and they should definitely give us that.”

Keatings admits he is still working towards peak fitness but, with games coming thick and fast from tomorrow, believes he will reach it quickly.

“Most of the boys who played here last season have still got their fitness because it was such a short break for them after the play-offs.

“For myself, I’m not yet as sharp as I would like to be because I’ve had a bit longer off than most of the boys.

“I’m just looking to keep working as hard as I can each day and get that sharpness back so I can get to where I want to be.

“With the competitive games starting it should come quickly and it’s in these games you get that sharpness at the start of the season.

“Friendlies are good but it’s always on your mind that you don’t want to get injured and miss the start of the season.

“You can also be training hard even on the day of these games, so you might not get the sharpness from them you want but, when it’s competitive, you’ll have prepared the right way and be fresh and ready to go.”

As well as winning promotion from the Championship with Hibs last season, Dundee United’s James Keatings also helped Hearts to the title.