| It was a brief spell at Central Park two years ago that paved the way for the Frenchman’s move to the SPL with United and, although this will be his first return visit, he’s lost none of his fondness for the Fifers.
And with that comes the knowledge that, as they set their sights on repeating last season’s achievement of going all the way to the final, the Tangerines cannot expect an easy 90 minutes.
“I was pleased when I saw we had Cowdenbeath in the cup, because I have not been back since I came to United and it will be nice to see some people I know.
“I was not there for long, but the people were good to me and I enjoyed my football because it was a team with good spirit.
“They have some good players as well — David Hay is a very good goalkeeper and further forward they have men who can score goals.
“People will look at this as a game that is easy for us to win, but we know we must play well to make sure we go through.
“Once we reach kick-off, we will give them the same respect as any team would get. If you do not think of other teams that way, you can have trouble.”
And while, after last term in particular, United have to be aiming to go far, Gomis insists, once the team bus reaches Central Park, there will be no thoughts of anything other than getting over this hurdle.
“We did very well to reach the final and to do that again would be good. It is a long way away and we know we must only think about winning each game that comes.”
While he, too, will not under-estimate his old employers, former Cowden player and manager Craig Levein is likely to make a couple of changes to his starting line-up tonight.
Craig Conway could be set for his first start of the season after missing out at Motherwell on Saturday through illness, while Danny Swanson is a contender to step up from the bench.
There was good news for in-form keeper Lukasz Zaluska last night when he was named in the Polish squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and San Marino. It’s the first time Zaluska has been called up.
Closer to home, tomorrow’s reserve clash with Celtic at Forfar’s Station Park will kick off at 7.30 pm.
Cowden, meanwhile, list the same squad which accounted for Elgin on Saturday.
“This is a big game for us, but it’s also a nice occasion which we’ll relish as there is no pressure on us,” said Cowden boss Danny Lennon.
“I admire United manager Craig Levein for what he has achieved and I’m looking forward to tonight’s encounter.”
Danny added, “We have no injury worries and all my players are buzzing at the thought of facing Dundee United.” |
