Neilson’s focus solely on United as Inverness eye play-off point

Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson will remain focused only on his team as the second-placed Tannadice men head north to face an Inverness Caledonian Thistle side who require a point to book their place in the promotion play-offs.

While Ross County’s win at Ayr last night effectively condemned the Tannadice side to the play-offs Neilson, speaking ahead of that game, said: “We have to take care of Inverness and that is our only focus. We can only do what we can do which is win as many games as we can.

“The worst-case scenario is that we end up in the play-offs and if that is the case then I want us to go into them with momentum.”

Neilson, pictured, added: “I watched Inverness in midweek [in their 2-2 draw at Morton] and they have moved on quickly from the disappointment of not reaching the Scottish Cup final. They will want to secure their playoff place quickly so this will be tough.”

Caley are planning to take the game to their visitors in a bid to get over the finishing line. Manager John Robertson said: “This is a massive game and Tom Walsh should be available after being rested in midweek. Anthony Mcdonald and Darren Mccauley both scored against Morton on Tuesday, so we are in a good position to play an attacking game. There is no point looking for a draw.”

Queen of the South manager Gary Naysmith needs a goal-scoring hero to emerge in the absence of injured 40-goal striker Stephen Dobbie when they host Dunfermline.

Naysmith said: “Since I came to Queens there have been nine games with Dunfermline. There have been three wins each and three draws. Things are always tight between us and this game will be the same, so we need someone to step up and be the difference.”

Falkirk will move above visitors Morton for the first time this season, and for the first time since manager Ray Mckinnon controversially moved from Cappielow to the Bairns back in August, if they come out on top today.

Mckinnon is, however, looking at a bigger picture. “When you are sitting second-bottom just a point above one team, you want a win regardless of the history,” he said.

Bottom-side Partick take on in-form Alloa and are desperate for a win to boost their hopes of survival. Jags assistant manager Brian Kerr said: “Alloa have done well and moved to the top of the pack of clubs looking to avoid relegation. But if we win, we are right on their tail.”