United boss Mixu Paatelainen plays it cool despite avoiding Old Firm

Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen is playing it cool despite avoiding the Old Firm in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals.

While the news that neither Celtic nor Rangers will be their last-four opponents will gladden the hearts of most United fans, the big Finn isn’t getting carried away or counting his blessings.

The Tangerines will take on either holders Inverness Caley Thistle or Hibs, who fought out a 1-1 draw at Easter Road yesterday.

That still leaves them with an almighty hurdle to negotiate to get to the final on May 21 at Hampden.

That is the way Paatelainen sees things, although it was surely the best possible outcome for United.

The Tannadice boss, who led his team to a thrilling 3-2 quarter-final success over Ross County in Dingwall on Saturday, said: “It doesn’t matter who you play in the semi-final.

“They are all tough games at this stage.”

The semi-finals will take place over the weekend of April 16 and 17 at the national stadium.

Before that, United fans will be taking a special interest in the ICT v Hibees replay at the Caledonian Stadium a week on Wednesday.