Jim Goodwin believes Dundee United’s disastrous last outing against Ross County will be a motivating factor on Saturday.
While the Tangerines are not short of incentive for a bona fide relegation six-pointer in front of a packed Tannadice, United’s prior showdown against the Highlanders looms large in the memory.
It will be a chance to restore some personal pride for the guys who were involved
The 4-0 defeat in Dingwall in February was a low point of a tumultuous campaign and ultimately cost Liam Fox his job.
Sporting director Tony Asghar also walked away in the aftermath of a damaging afternoon.
“We need to make sure that performance doesn’t happen again,” said Goodwin. “To be fair to the players, I think we have improved dramatically since then.
“But it will be a chance to restore some personal pride for the guys who were involved up there.
“They will be desperate to make amends.
He added: “We will remind the players what Ross County are capable of by mentioning that game. That day, they (County) showed they are a very good team when they want to be.”
County are currently rock-bottom of the Premiership but have closed the gap to Kilmarnock and United to a single point following a comfortable 2-0 triumph over Livingston.
That came as no shock to Goodwin.
“I wasn’t surprised to see County bounce back last weekend because Malky (Mackay) is a very good manager who has signed good players,” praised Goodwin.
“He has recruited well from down south, using his contacts in England.
“He’s someone I have a lot of respect for; a really good, experienced manager who did a fantastic job there last season.”
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