United focused on sealing Euro spot, says boss

THE national media is fixated on Celtic sealing the title against Dundee United.

But Tam Courts is hopeful his Euro-chasing Tangerines can take a step closer to achieving their own goal at Tannadice.

United are in a three-way shootout with Motherwell and Ross County for the final two European places in the Premiership.

A point against Celtic could be enough to secure United’s place in continental competition next season.

But whatever happens against the Hoops, Courts’ side can seal the deal in Saturday’s seasoncloser in Dingwall.

That – rather than spoiling Celtic’s title party – is all the motivation the Tangerines boss needs ahead of tonight’s clash with Ange Postecoglou’s side.

“I would say our needs are very, very strong,” Courts said.

“Strange things can happen at this time in the season and it can be more difficult just now to forecast where points will be won and lost.

“If we can take something from the game then it would be the perfect platform to go to Dingwall on Saturday.”

Dundee United fell to a 2-0 defeat to Rangers at the weekend.

Courts feels the Tangerines are suffering as injuries bite at the season’s end.

But he is hopeful his young squad can do more in possession against Celtic than they managed at Ibrox.

He said: “We would love to have the four or five players who are on the treatment table available to us.

“We saw at the weekend we had a team that included Matthew Cudjoe, Ross Graham, Archie Meekison and Lewis Neilson.

“That is where we are just now and we need to give guys opportunities, which they are taking.

“The times we have done well against Celtic and Rangers this season, we have earned their respect on the ball.

“We need to be better on the ball, particularly at home, and we know Celtic will come out like a train on Wednesday. We have to be ready for it.”