On Wednesday, they travel to Livingston for a re-arranged clash and, either side of that, have Kilmarnock and Motherwell at home.

Such has been the Tangerines recent record at Tannadice, seven games unbeaten, there’s no question the minimum the manager expects is six points from that card. And if two home wins were to be augmented by a midweek win in West Lothian, he accepts his side would be well on course for their first top-six finish.

“We can’t lose sight of the fact that, after the next eight days, we’ll still have three games to go before the split, and could get the points we need from these games. Even if we do well in the next week, there will be more work to be done. But if we get the results we want, it’ll be a big help.”

Record books suggest winning tomorrow won’t be easy. While United have a fine home record, Killie haven’t lost at Tannadice since the mid-90s.

Ian, though, prefers to take another stat into account as he plots a path to victory. “We’re on our best home run since something like 1996 or ’97 and would like to keep that going,” he explained.

“I wasn’t aware of Killie’s record here, and it will be a difficult game against them. But the way we’ve been playing at Tannadice means we’re confident we can win this one. We’re aware this is a big game for us and, with the crowd behind us, the boys will be up for it.”

Still injured are Tony Bullock, Jim Paterson and Graeme Holmes.

The Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs have reacted to this week’s confirmation that United have agreed to ground-share with Dundee.

While the federation stopped short of giving their unreserved backing to the plan, given their close relationship with chairman Eddie Thompson, any objection would be a major surprise.

They’ve said they’ll “retain an open mind” on the matter and backed the Tangerines board to act in the club’s best interest.

“It’s been a disappointing season so far as Rangers are concerned,” he said. “That doesn’t change the fact they still have quality players like the de Boers, Lovenkrands and now Gavin Rae. We know if they play the way they can, this game will be as hard as Celtic was.”

And Jim concedes that, with opposite number Alex McLeish already mapping out his plans for next season, tomorrow’s clash could even be more difficult.

“This is their first home game since Alex made clear which players he wants to keep and who he wants to move on. That means the fans know the ones on the park are the future of Rangers, and I think you will see them get behind their team.

“That doesn’t make it any easier for us. It’ll be a character test for our players. So will the fact they’re going there maybe a bit tired after two hard games in the last week and with a few carrying knocks.

“Character is not something we’ve lacked, though, and what I want is to see the players go to Ibrox and show the same attitude and desire that enabled them to compete well with Celtic on Wednesday.

“That’s all you can ask. You go, you compete for 90 minutes and, maybe if you get a break or two, you come away with a result. If the players do that I’ll be happy.”

Steven Milne is an injury doubt for tomorrow.

Barry Smith, Lee Wilkie and Callum Macdonald are definite non-starters, but Tom Hutchinson and Steve Lovell are added to the squad.

Sebastian Kneissl is a doubt because of a groin strain and several others who played against Celtic will be less than 100% fit.

Included in that number are top scorer Nacho Novo and midfielder Neil Barrett, who has earned praise for playing through an extremely painful ankle problem.

“We’ve a few out, a few knocks and a few tired legs. Not being able to get two or three players back in is a disappointment to me, but good news for boys like Steven Robb, Bobby Linn and Dougie Cameron because they will get the chance to match their talent against some high-quality players,” added Jim.