However, tonight they head for Ibrox and will attempt to stop Rangers increasing their lead at the top of the SPL.

Few, bar the United squad and their supporters, give Gordon Chisholm’s men any chance of bringing anything back to Tayside.

But, while accepting the difficult task that faces them, the interim boss knows his men will give it their best shot.

“I can assure you the players are not going down there just to make up the numbers tonight,” said Gordon.

“We’ve prepared properly for the game and we’ll be looking to build on Saturday’s great result.

“That’s not to say that it won’t be very difficult, Rangers are top of the league and are a first-class side.

“But we have to go there and do a professional job. This match means just as much to Dundee United as it does to Rangers.”

As his team trailed 1-0 on Saturday at Hampden, Gordon rang the changes with less than half-an-hour to go and introduced his three substitutes Mark Kerr, Jason Scotland and Collin Samuel.

That move paid instant dividends and all three have put themselves into contention for a starting role this evening.

However, injuries to key men means Gordon will leave his selection until late on, to give everyone a fighting chance of being fit.

“Stuart Duff, Mark Wilson, Grant Brebner and Barry Robson are all carrying knocks, so, although the guys that came on at the weekend did well, we’ll wait to see how our injured players are before we decide on a line-up.”

One man who won’t feature against his old club this evening is midfielder Derek McInnes, who is suspended.

Rangers are also with out their skipper Barry Ferguson, who is serving a ban, while central defender Marvin Andrews is poised to miss out due to a knee injury.

The big central defender will have a scan early this evening, with the club anxiously awaiting the results.

Also picking up knocks at the weekend were Stevie Lovell, Neil Barrett, Tam McManus and Derek Soutar, while midfielder Garry Brady was only included against the Pars after passing a late fitness test.

Today, manager Jim Duffy, while admitting he was delighted to get the points, was assessing the damage to his squad.

“It wasn’t ideal. We had to make two substitutions before half-time and then had to introduce Fabian Caballero shortly after the break.

“Derek Soutar then got clattered and, when Stevie Lovell picked up a knock near the end we had to put him out on the wing, basically just to fill a space.

“And Garry Brady, who only passed a fitness test on his shoulder ahead of kick-off, is still feeling a bit sore today.

“So, all in all, it wasn’t an ideal game in terms of injuries, but, first and foremost, we got the result we needed.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Iain Anderson continued his comeback from injury in the reserves today, as the Dark Blues faced the Pars’ second string at Dens.

Also featuring in that one were Glenn Larsen, Joel Kitimarike, Scott Robertson and Aaron Conway.

Former United man Conway is eager to impress as his short-term deal expires in the summer.

However, despite the constant speculation, Jim is enjoying his interim manager’s role and, as he’s still under contract, will be happy to remain at the club beyond this season.

“It’s nearly 11 years since I signed for St Johnstone and I have a lot of feelings for the club. I’m enjoying my present role and looking forward to the Partick game,” he said.

Although Saints report no fresh injuries, Kevin Fotheringham and Kevin Rutkiewicz won’t play again this season due to groin and knee problems respectively.

And, as he prepares the team for the Partick game, Jim went on, “Although we look safe, we can still go down, so we’ll approach the Partick match in the right manner.”