It’s crunch time for Tangerines

DUNDEE UNITED will have a better idea if Motherwell are catchable after what promises to be a hugely significant SPL card this weekend.

That is the view oftangerines midfielder Richie Ryan, who has analysed the forthcoming fixtures with interest as United aim to finish as high up the table as possible.

Well are eight points ahead of them in third spot but the Steelmen welcome Rangers to Fir Park at noon on Saturday, with Ally Mccoist’s men undoubtedly boosted after their Old Firm derby success last Sunday.

Three hours later, United will kick off against bottom-of-the-table Dunfermline and, while no one will take the relegationthreatened Pars lightly, that does represent a good opportunity for the top-flight’s in-form team to gather three points.

St Johnstone are in the mix as well but they face the daunting prospect of a trip to championship-chasing Celtic on Sunday.

So when the dust settles on the weekend’s action, United could be well placed to pounce.

“Motherwell are sitting eight points ahead of us in third but they play Rangers on Saturday,” Ryan said.

“If they lose and we beat Dunfermline-- which won’t be easy, of course, then we will be only five points behind Motherwell with them to play again after the split.

“So we are looking upwards rather than behind us.

“Europe has not really been mentioned, rather we have been facing the challenges as they have come along.

“It’s Dunfermline next and they have plenty to play for as they are fighting to stay in the SPL.

“To get into Europe, though, would be a massive achievement.

“The way the season has gone so far has highlighted how good a bunch of lads we have in the dressing room.

“We don’t have the biggest of squads but there is a lot of quality there and that will be shown if we finish in the top three or four.

“We have been on a good run for the last few games (they have managed five straight league wins) but we need to keep that going.

“This part of the year is the perfect time to be hitting a bit of form and I believe the lads did something similar to this last season. “So we are looking to kick on from here.” Of course, a major reason for United’s success has been the form of dynamic duo Johnny Russell and Gary Mackay-steven, who grabbed a goal each in the weekend win over Hibs at Easter Road.

Ryan has been suitably impressed and enjoyed playing alongside the pair after coming off the bench to face the Hibees.

“They are two young lads who are doing very well for us and are getting a lot of plaudits, which they deserve,” he added. “It is only the start of it for them though. “I am sure bigger things will come their way if they keep doing well for United.

“The great thing is they are two down-toearth lads who never get above their station.

“They know they have to keep working hard in training and producing the goods out on the park.”

As for the Irishman himself, he is understandably keen to get involved in what is promising to be a thrilling season finale.

“Hopefully I can get more game time between now and the end of the season,” Ryan said.

“I would like to start, of I would, and then it would to me to keep my place.”” course be up