NEILSON’S SYMPATHY RUNS OUT TOMORROW

Robbie Neilson has urged Dundee United to put their European horror show in perspective – but hopes to twist the knife deeper with more domestic dismay.

He got in touch with pals at his old club in the wake of Thursday night’s 7-0 humiliation from AZ Alkmaar.

The sympathy was genuine but can only last so long as the teams prepare to meet at Tynecastle tomorrow.

The Jambos boss – who led United back to the Premiership in 2020 – is expecting a backlash, led by the Tangerines’ old heads.

But, with their own European challenge on the horizon next Thursday, Neilson expects Hearts to make it another tough 90 minutes for the visitors.

He said: “I still speak to a number of people at Dundee United.

“I texted them and said they need to put it in perspective.

“Three years ago, they were playing against Championship teams. They have progressed massively and had a brilliant result last week (against Alkmaar).

“It was probably a 25-minute period where they got turned over (on Thursday) but that can happen against these European teams.

“United have quite a bit of experience in that team – Charlie Mulgrew, Ryan Edwards, Steven Fletcher, Tony Watt. I’d expect them to be ready to come at it and try to make amends for Thursday night.

“We’ve all suffered defeats over the years and you have to move quickly. It’s easier if the game comes quickly.

“If you’re stewing over it for two or three weeks it can be difficult. Having a game within two or three days allows you to refocus.

“But we have a sellout on Sunday, the place will be rocking and we are expected to win. The players have to understand that.

“The guys in the team on Sunday have to make sure they stay in the team for Thursday so there is that competitive side.”