ALEX SMITH’S FRIDAY PREVIEW

Dundee United welcome Dunfermline to Tannadice Park tomorrow on SPL business for the second time in under two months. This anomaly has come about as this match has been rescheduled from its midweek date in January 2002, tomorrow having been originally set aside as a possible World Cup play-off date for the Scotland international team. Manager Alex Smith is keen to pick up as many points as possible over the next few matches, games that include two against the East End Park side and one against bottom club St Johnstone. “Dunfermline will again prove to be tough opposition,” commented Alex. “We need to be in the same frame of mind as in last week’s derby match. I am sure that it will be equally as hard a game as in past encounters. Recently we have managed to win these matches but only by the odd goal.” The United gaffer contemplated the importance of the next few matches in the SPL. “It’s an important part of the season and if we manage to come through the next few matches unscathed, it could prove to be highly significant in terms of our top six aspirations. Dunfermline have some excellent players and are well managed by Jimmy Calderwood and Jimmy Nicholl and it will be a very tough match.” United have just one injury worry. Jim Lauchlan (pictured top left) is a major injury worry but will be given until the last minute to make it.