Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn was an interested spectator at Tannadice on Wednesday night as Dundee United beat Rangers 1-0 in their Active Nation Scottish Cup quarter-final replay.
The result, of course, means that United will be Raith’s opponents in the semi-final at Hampden on April 11.
And while some United supporters may believe they are racing certainties to go through to the final by beating their first division opponents, McGlynn has warned that they should take nothing for granted.
“I was very impressed by United on Wednesday night,” he said.
“They were on the front foot right from the start and really had a go at Rangers.
“If it was not for Allan McGregor making some good saves, the scoreline might have been more.
“We will have a look at United in other games over the next couple of weeks leading up to the semi-final.
“Hopefully, we will be able to pick up on one or two areas that we can exploit.Football is crazy”You just have to look at some of the results at the moment — who would have thought St Mirren would beat Celtic 4-0?
“So eleven v eleven, anything can happen. Football is crazy and there is no such thing as a certainty, so we will be trying to do what we have done in other games where we have been big underdogs.”
Raith and Dundee United have formed a close bond over the last few years, with the Fife club taking several players on loan from Tannadice, including David Goodwillie, Damian Casalinuovo, Kevin Smith and, at present, Johnny Russell.
McGlynn is also on good terms with the management team at United of Peter Houston, Gary Kirk and Paul Hegarty, having worked previously with the trio at Hearts.
And he is looking forward to locking horns with them at Hampden.
“Peter was the youth team coach when I was the under-16 coach at Hearts,” he said.
“When he went on to take charge of the reserve team, I was given his previous job.
“I worked with him for a few years at Hearts and I know him very well.
McGlynn continued, “Peter’s assistant Gary Kirk came to Hearts with Craig Levein from Cowdenbeath and I also get on well with him.
“The two of them are great guys and I have a lot of respect and time for them.
“Gary was also assistant manager at Raith and did a superb job for us.
“I was delighted for him when he got the opportunity to go to Dundee United.
“I also know Paul Hegarty from his time at Hearts so I am sure we will have some laughs and jokes, leading up to the game, during it and probably afterwards as well.
“We have had a good relationship with Dundee United over the last few years but I am looking forward to pitting my wits against them.”
Before he does so, McGlynn and his Raith side face in-form Ayr at Stark’s Park tomorrow on league business.
The Kirkcaldy side are desperate to distance themselves from the relegation zone but they will have to attempt to do so without four first team regulars.
“Mark Campbell is to have an exploratory operation on his knee on Friday,” added McGlynn.
“The problem is in connection with the car crash he had.
“Craig Wilson is out for a few weeks with his broken arm, while Graham Weir has a hamstring injury and Johnny Russell a medial ligament strain.
“On the bright side, Stephen Simmons comes back into contention now he is free from suspension.”
McGlynn continued, “Peter’s assistant Gary Kirk came to Hearts with Craig Levein from Cowdenbeath and I also get on well with him.
“The two of them are great guys and I have a lot of respect and time for them.
“Gary was also assistant manager at Raith and did a superb job for us.
“I was delighted for him when he got the opportunity to go to Dundee United.
“I also know Paul Hegarty from his time at Hearts so I am sure we will have some laughs and jokes, leading up to the game, during it and probably afterwards as well.
“We have had a good relationship with Dundee United over the last few years but I am looking forward to pitting my wits against them.”
Before he does so, McGlynn and his Raith side face in-form Ayr at Stark’s Park tomorrow on league business.
The Kirkcaldy side are desperate to distance themselves from the relegation zone but they will have to attempt to do so without four first team regulars.
“Mark Campbell is to have an exploratory operation on his knee on Friday,” added McGlynn.
“The problem is in connection with the car crash he had.
“Craig Wilson is out for a few weeks with his broken arm, while Graham Weir has a hamstring injury and Johnny Russell a medial ligament strain.
“On the bright side, Stephen Simmons comes back into contention now he is free from suspension.”
McGlynn continued, “Peter’s assistant Gary Kirk came to Hearts with Craig Levein from Cowdenbeath and I also get on well with him.
“The two of them are great guys and I have a lot of respect and time for them.
“Gary was also assistant manager at Raith and did a superb job for us.
“I was delighted for him when he got the opportunity to go to Dundee United.
“I also know Paul Hegarty from his time at Hearts so I am sure we will have some laughs and jokes, leading up to the game, during it and probably afterwards as well.
“We have had a good relationship with Dundee United over the last few years but I am looking forward to pitting my wits against them.”
Before he does so, McGlynn and his Raith side face in-form Ayr at Stark’s Park tomorrow on league business.
The Kirkcaldy side are desperate to distance themselves from the relegation zone but they will have to attempt to do so without four first team regulars.
“Mark Campbell is to have an exploratory operation on his knee on Friday,” added McGlynn.
“The problem is in connection with the car crash he had.
“Craig Wilson is out for a few weeks with his broken arm, while Graham Weir has a hamstring injury and Johnny Russell a medial ligament strain.
“On the bright side, Stephen Simmons comes back into contention now he is free from suspension.”