DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | MOTHERWELL (H)
31st October 2024
United boss Alex Smith hosted a Tennent's Scottish Cup Open Day to the press at Seamill, as his squad continued their preparations for Sunday's semi-final date with Celtic at Hampden Park and he got over the message loud and clear that his Tangerines won't be going into the big game believing that they are second-favourites to clinch a place in the final.
He firmly believes that the greater pressure will be on Celtic, as Martin O'Neill's side seek to extend their interest in only a second 'treble' in Parkhead history.
He said,"It will be much more difficult for us if Celtic are relaxed after clinching the SPL title last weekend. However, they were showing their fair share of nerves in the games leading up to and during the championship-winning victory over St Mirren. The high expectations of their fans just might prove to be of advantage to us.
Smith will lead his Tangerines back home to Tayside in midweek, and will offer his players a day off on Thursday, prior to finalising his preparations on both Friday and Saturday.
Charlie Miller, Paul Robinson and Jim Hamilton were still unable to train with the squad, but the trio remain confident of making it in time for consideration for Hampden. Alan Combe, Mvondo Atangana, David Partridge and David McCracken travelled west to join the squad after playing in the 1-0 Under-21 League defeat by Hearts at Tannadice.
Making a more than welcome return in that one was Jim Paterson who was given his first outing since suffering a broken leg earlier in the season.
