COURTS WANTS FOCUS IN EUROPEAN PUSH
TAM COURTS is confident his Dundee United side will respond positively in a defining week for their European ambitions after being brushed aside at Ibrox. The Tannadice side failed to register a shot on target as a Rangers line-up showing seven changes from their Europa League triumph over RB Leipzig eased to a 2-0 win. United stay fourth in the Premiership, a point ahead of Motherwell and three clear of Ross County in the contest for the final two continental qualification slots. They now host champions-inwaiting Celtic on Wednesday night before completing their season with a trip to Dingwall on Saturday. ‘This is the start of a big week for this football club and we always viewed it that way because come Saturday in Dingwall, it is really important we maintain confidence and build momentum,’ said Courts. ‘The players are well aware what is at stake this week. ‘We now move on to Celtic on Wednesday at Tannadice and try to pick up something ahead of Dingwall. ‘You always go into matches with that intent. The reality is that we have 16 outfield players right now, a raft of senior players who are injured and we are giving opportunities to young players who are picking up good experience. ‘Even today, Mathew Cudjoe gets his first competitive start and he is probably someone who would prefer to play off a side, but we aren’t actually playing with wingers. ‘It’s now about making sure, over the course of this week, that we keep building momentum, maintain confidence and try to pick up points. ‘I’m sure there will be a big crowd on Wednesday — and the ultimate goal is where we are at full-time on Saturday.’ Courts admitted United were unable to get going at Ibrox as second-half goals from James Tavernier and Amad Diallo gave the Europa League finalists a richly-deserved win. ‘I think it is fair to open up with the fact we were beaten by the better team,’ said Courts. ‘It was a confident, dominant Rangers team we came up against today and they managed to get into their stride very, very quickly. ‘Probably the main frustration from my perspective is that we have actually shown bravery particularly away from home against Celtic and Rangers. ‘I am not saying the players weren’t brave today but we could not get any real rhythm in the game and probably did not really show anything from an attacking perspective. ‘Again, all credit to the players in terms of their commitment, application and how they executed the game plan, because it was 0-0 at half time and ultimately it was a penalty and an individual error that gifted Rangers the goals. But no real complaints about the scoreline.’