And, if United continue where they left off when they were at Parkhead earlier this month, he suspects it could be a good night.

“Our results against Celtic and Rangers have shown we are good enough to compete with them, and I think we can do that this time. In recent games against them, we have played well and scored goals, and that shows we can win. We have also lost goals and that is what we have to try to change, because, if we do, we may lose.”

While accepting this is as tough a tie as United could face, he is quick to dismiss talk that winning on these big occasions in Glasgow is too big an ask for provincial clubs.

“I am from France, so I did not grow up hearing about how hard it is to beat Celtic through there. I know this is a difficult game, but, wherever we play, I believe that, if we are on form, we can win.”

And he will use the memory of last January’s crushing demolition of Aberdeen at Tynecastle — he scored his first United goal in a 4-1 win — as an inspiration.

“To be in a semi-final against a team as good as Aberdeen and win so well was very special. Playing in the final against Rangers was almost as good, but I think the fact we won the semi makes it a more positive memory for me.

“It is something we can take into this game, because we showed then we are able to perform in big games and that is important.”

Gomis’ continuous improvement since joining from Cowdenbeath two years ago saw him rewarded with another improved contract at the end of last week.

He puts his progress down to the quality of player at Tannadice and believes the strength of the squad means the chances of reaching the final for a second year running are good.

“We have many quality players here and we all know we have to play well just to stay in the team. Each day, training is very competitive, because we have to show we are good enough.

“I think that helps us in games, because the way we prepare for them means we are always ready.”

“Although there were only a few minutes to go when we equalised against St Mirren, you could see immediately the players were going for the win,” he said.

“It was the same when they came back from two down at Celtic at the beginning of the month and, even though that one ended in a draw, the boys went for all three points.

“When they equalised in these games, the players could easily have been relieved at avoiding defeat and settled for a draw, but they didn’t and that says a lot about them.

“It’s not something that comes from the side of the pitch, it comes from the players themselves and it is exactly what I want.

“I have to accept there will be times when it means we end up losing, because gaps can be left as we go looking for another goal, but it will win us more games, and that’s what we are in this for.”

As promised, since Monday Craig has stuck to his policy of refusing to discuss Willo Flood’s likely switch to The Hoops, but that has not stopped noises coming from Parkhead about their move for the midfielder.

While United are unimpressed, they are taking Celtic’s need to indulge in mind games before tonight as a compliment and a clear sign their opponents are worried.

With the transfer still to take place, Flood’s name has been on the Tangerines team sheet since the weekend and only if there have been signs in training over the past couple of days that the speculation has had an effect on him, will it be taken off.

Publicly, the Irishman has stated his desire to give 100% for United right up until the minute he leaves, and it’s understood that view has also been forcefully expressed privately.

With ticket sales at both clubs proving slow — only 24,507 saw Rangers beat Falkirk in the other semi last night — briefs will be available outside Hampden tonight.

United fans can get them from the booth located at the southwest side of the National Stadium, adjacent to Lesser Hampden.

That deal only runs until the end of the season and he has already been granted training facilities at Dens Park.

With Ludovic Roy an already confirmed departure in the summer, boss Jocky Scott saw the 36-year-old at the ideal candidate to provide experienced cover for No. 1 Douglas and has got him on a pre-contract agreement.

“We need another ’keeper with first-team experience and Tony has plenty of that,” said Jocky.

“We also know we will be getting a fit player in the summer, because, as well as training with us three days a week, he will be getting games for Montrose and that is important.”

Meanwhile, injury doubts Kyle Benedictus and Jim Lauchlan are both on course to make the squad for the visit of Clyde on Saturday.

Derek added, “We have a great squad with good morale and there are exciting times ahead. I’d be really happy to stay at McDiarmid.”

Derek will be in Saints’ squad for the trip to face Morton on Saturday.

Team boss Derek McInnes was impressed with Morton in their 2-2 home divide against Livingston last Saturday so knows what to expect.

With injuries clearing, Graham Gartland is the Perth side’s only doubt for the Morton match.