First United will have to battle it out again with Rangers at Tannadice tomorrow week. The replay will be all-ticket and is set to be shown live on SKY.

Tangerines gaffer Peter Houston’s reaction to the draw was predictable — “We are not in the semis yet, so I wouldn’t want to comment.”

Full draw: Celtic v. Hibs/Ross County; Rangers/Dundee Utd v. Raith. Ties on April 10/11.

He made the most of his chance by firing the Tangerines into an early lead and then helped them fight back from 3-1 down to force a replay.

That delighted him, but he wasn’t scared to say out what many were thinking — only a blunder by referee Dougie McDonald prevented a shock win.

“Rangers’ first penalty was a mistake. We could all see that Dusan Pernis got the ball when he dived at their player’s feet, so it was a fair challenge,” said Shala.

“We were going very well when that happened and I think it was a hard call on us. Their second penalty just before half-time I was not so sure about, but the first definitely should not have been given.”

Despite going from a goal up to two down in 15 minutes around the break, he insisted he could not see United losing.

And he believes the memory of the 7-1 league defeat at Ibrox in December was what made them sure of coming away from this one with at least a draw a nailed-on certainty.

“We were hurting a lot after that game and I knew going back there was no way we could lose this time.

“Everybody in the squad wanted to play and put things right for (manager) Peter Houston and ourselves.

“I have to admit, I didn’t know if I would even make the bench, but, once Goodie got ill, I was told I would.”

Even then, he was shocked when, with less than a minute on the clock, he was called into the action when Casalinuovo hurt a hamstring.

“When the game kicked off, Houstie told Sandaza and I to warm up and I did not even see Damian go down — all I heard was the gaffer calling my name to get back.

“I have had to wait a long time for my chance, so I was determined to take it and, with my goal, I hope I did.”

Equally, he stressed he remained determined to lead the Dark Blues back to the SPL at the end of the season.

To do that, he knows a big improvement on recent performances will be necessary and, to get that, he is preparing to make changes for Wednesday’s trip to Ayr United.

With games coming thick and fast over the next month-and-a-half, he’s also told all his fit players to expect to see action.

“I’ve had better weekends, put it that way, and Saturday is still a sore one for me, but we are still aiming for our No. 1 priority and that’s promotion,” he said.

“And, when you look at the squad that’s here, you see it’s more than capable of going up. To do that, though, we have to stop giving away bad goals, because that’s been a problem all season and now it’s killing us.

“I think it’s also taken time for some of the players to get used to being favourites and being out in front in the league with everyone trying to shoot them down.

“We do have a few players who have been in that situation, though, and know how to handle it. Now is when their experience should kick in.”

Jocky would not say if that was a sign the likes of Bob Malcolm, a trophy winner with Rangers, and experienced international performer Maros Klimpl would start at Somerset Park, but there is no question they are in his thoughts.

Whoever is picked, though, he will demand a much more positive start than he’s had in too many games since the turn of the year.

“As I said on Saturday, we keep giving teams goals of a start and you can’t do that. On Saturday, we were far too sluggish and it cost us.”