Dundee United manager Peter Houston has still not written off his side’s chances of finishing third in the SPL.
The Tangerines’ hopes of catching Hearts took a severe hit at Celtic Park on Sunday as they lost 4-1 to Neil Lennon’s men.
The Jam Tarts had already secured a draw against Kilmarnock the previous day, taking them eight points clear of United with only nine available between now and the end of the campaign.
However, with the Tynecastle men facing a rampant Rangers team and hungry Hoops side in their next couple of fixtures, Houston isn’t throwing in the towel just yet.
“Hearts play the Old Firm in their next two games before facing us on the last day of the season,” he said. “What I have to hope is that we win our next two matches against Motherwell and Rangers.
“The only way we have any chance of getting third is if we win our next two and Hearts lose to the Old Firm.
“I would love to be in a situation where it is winner takes all on the final day at Tannadice.
“There is a long way to go before that, of course, and we have a tough, tough game against Motherwell on Saturday before going to Ibrox a week on Tuesday.
“I am also still looking behind and hoping that Kilmarnock don’t catch us (United are seven points clear).
“Another victory will secure fourth spot for us so there is still plenty to play for.”
Meanwhile, David Goodwillie, the newly-crowned PFA Scotland young player of the year, has been tipped for the top by a former United fans’ favourite.
Noel Hunt was one of the first people to contact Goodwillie to congratulate him after pipping Celtic ace Gary Hooper, David Templeton of Hearts and Aberdeen forward Chris Maguire to lift the prestigious prize.
Hunt, now playing for Reading, thinks his old team-mate has what it takes to make it to the English Premiership one day.
“I am thrilled for Goodie and I texted him as soon as I heard the news,” said the Irishman. “It is very well deserved when you think of what he has done this season.
“When I look around down here, I don’t see too many better young players than him kicking around.
“There has been a lot of speculation linking him with Rangers, which is understandable when he you look at the season he is having, with 18 goals already to his name.
“But to be honest I don’t see why he couldn’t head for the Premiership because he is that good when you consider his all-round game.”