Former Dundee United keeper Lukasz Zaluska has warned his old team they face a battle against Polish side Slask Wroclaw in next month’s Europa League qualifier.
The Tangerines were paired with the Poles in Monday’s draw, with Houston admitting it was the toughest option.
Wroclaw finished second in the Polish league last season, ahead of the likes of Lech Poznan who beat Manchester City and Legia Warsaw.
Zaluska, who joined Celtic from United in 2009, has revealed that Wroclaw won’t be scared to get physical in a bid to progress to the group stages.
United played Polish side Arka Gdynia last season and were shocked at their robust approach to the pre-season contest so are expecting another bruising battle.
Zaluska said, “It’s a really hard draw for United. It will be a physical test because Wroclaw are well-known back home for their strength on the field.
“They can be very tough to beat. I am not saying they are a dirty team but they play every game at a high intensity and give everything.
“United played a Polish team last summer in pre-season and it ended up a physical game so the lads will know what to expect already.
“Wroclaw will be no different. They are strong in defence, building from the back and that makes them a difficult team to score against.
“They did very well to finish second in the league. The Polish league is on a high at the moment and the whole country is looking forward to the European championships so they will be desperate to get through.”
United have been drawn to play away on July 14 and Zaluska believes much will hinge on the first leg. If United can emerge with something, then he believes Houston can mastermind a win at Tannadice.
He added, “The first leg will be very important and for United it’s going to be crucial they take whatever chances they get before going back to Tannadice.
“But Peter Houston will have done all the homework on them and the lads will go into the game knowing exactly what to expect.
“It is a very close one to call because United will make it difficult for Wroclaw in Dundee. I would say it’s 50-50. I’ll be cheering United on because I had a wonderful time at Tannadice.
“The good thing for United is that they know how to win on the big occasion. They won the Scottish Cup and have beaten the Old Firm so this kind of experience won’t faze them.
“Wroclaw will be a different test to what they face in the SPL because the style of play won’t be the same. But United have a lot of experience now and that will help them.”