| Daly is the Tangerines top scorer with eight goals and kicked off his account for this term with a hat-trick in the Co-Op Cup win at Cowdenbeath back in August.
Now he wants more in the other knockout competition and knows, if he gets among the goals, he can help the team improve a recent record in the Scottish that’s been disappointing.
“Personally, it’s been a few games since I scored, so I am looking at Sunday as a chance to try to get among the goals again — if selected,” said the big Irishman.
“My hat-trick in the League Cup gave me a lot of confidence and, from a team point of view, it would be nice to get the same kind of success in the Scottish Cup.
“We’ve been to the final of the League Cup last year and we’re in the semis again at the end of the month, but it has not really happened for us in the Scottish. It’s still a competition everyone wants to do well in and we’re no different.”
This will also be a double first for Daly, who’ll be facing The Shire for the first time and, with the tie taking place at Stenhousemuir’s Ochilview, will be making his competitive debut on a synthetic surface.
“I have to admit I don’t know much about them, but, by the time we kick off, the manager will have told us what we need to know.
“We will certainly give them the same respect as any other opposition and be prepared for a tough game.
“The fact it’s on a plastic pitch they know means we’ll have to adapt. I’ve had plenty of friendly games and training on these pitches, but this will be the first real game. It’s not a surface I particularly like, but we just have to get on with it and get the job done.”
An indication of how serious United’s approach to this tie is came today when the squad travelled to Ochilview for a special training session.
Leaving nothing to chance, boss Craig Levein has also had the opposition watched fives times in recent weeks and will make sure his players know what to expect.
Darren Dods has been pencilled in to replace suspended skipper Lee Wilkie at the back, leaving the manager to decide who should replace the injured Scott Robertson in midfield — David Robertson and Prince Buaben are the likely candidates.
“It will be one of those two and, whatever the team, it is about getting through — we’ve prepared properly and that’s the aim,” said Craig.
With almost 2000 visiting supporters expected to travel, fans are advised to turn up early to avoid congestion at the gate. United still have some tickets available and they will be on sale at the ticket office tomorrow from 9 am-5 pm. |
