Houston wary of Saints backlash

DUNDEE United caretaker manager Peter Houston won’t read too much into St Johnstone’s weekend mauling by Celtic when Saints travel to Tannadice tonight.

Houston got home from watching United demolish Falkirk 4-1 to tune into the last 45 minutes of Saints' game against the Hoops and he saw the Perth men collapse after defender Graham Gartland was ordered off.

The Irishman will now be suspended for the trip to Tannadice and that means Saints have none of their first-choice centre halves available.

Their confidence will have taken a dent by the way Celtic steamrollered them but Houston, who has now guided United to four wins on the bounce, insists they remain dangerous opponents.

He said: “I watched the second half of St Johnstone's game against Celtic but I don't think what happened will have any bearing on Wednesday's game.

“By all accounts they played very well when they had 11 men but once the sending off came it changed the game.

“When you lose a man against the Old Firm it's very difficult because they have the quality to stretch you.

“But the fact St Johnstone lost 4-1 on Sunday doesn't affect the game this midweek. You can just write that off.”

United could be without Andy Webster, who took a calf knock against Falkirk, for the Tayside derby but fellow centre halves Darren Dods and Gerry Kenneth are expected to be fit.

Houston said: “Andy Webster has hurt his calf so he's a big doubt for Wednesday's game. Darren Dods and Garry Kenneth also took knocks but I think they will be okay."