| Having beaten the likes of Hearts, ICT and St Mirren over the last month, though, he is looking for another success in this tie. A win for the Tangerines would make it six in a row and the five previous outings have seen them concede just one own goal. That means confidence is high in the home camp, but Craig knows his men have to be on top form to book a semi-final place.
“You just have to look at Dunfermline’s team to see they are an SPL club in everything but the division they play,” he said.
“Paul Gallacher, Greg Shields, Scott Wilson, Austin McCann, Andy Kirk, Graham Bayne, Kevin Harper and others have all played a lot of games at Premier League level or higher. That means they will not be overawed and there is no way this is going to be easy for us.”
And, while he is not getting carried away by the renewed hype surrounding his side, Craig is comfortable with the hot favourites’ tag his men carry into the tie.
“Before the season, people were tipping us for third and then when we lost a couple of games we were a disaster. Since we’ve been winning again, we’ve been hearing how good we are, but I’ve known all along the truth is somewhere in between.
“What I also know about these players is that they are improving and one criticism I don’t think you’ll ever hear of them is that they have gone out and not given all they’ve got. The supporters appreciate the effort they put in and, when you have the approach these players do, you know you always have a chance.
“The only target I have set them is to try and do better than last season and, in this cup, that is not going to be easy because we reached the final, but I know they’ll give it their best.”
United are still hopeful Darren Dods’ head gash will not prevent him playing, though skipper Lee Wilkie will have a fitness test on a calf strain.
First Division postponement gave Pars’ boss Jim McIntyre the chance to watch United’s win over St Mirren and that confirmed what he already knew — it’s going to be tough for his men.
“United are a good passing side and I was impressed with what I saw from them on Saturday, so I know we face a difficult task tonight,” he said.
“We’ve prepared well, though, and are ready. I have great memories of the time I spent as a player at United. It was probably the most consistent spell of my career. Now I’m looking to progress in the cup tonight to give myself another good Tannadice memory.”
Skipper Scott Wilson will have a fitness test on a hip problem.
Admission prices have been reduced to £15 for adults, with concessions £10. Cup top-up vouchers are valid. |
