DUNDEE UNITED midfielder Stuart Armstrong has suggested the element of surprise might just be his side’s springboard to success this season.
The old adage that slow and steady wins the race rarely applies in football.
However, the fact United are now just five points off second-placed Inverness going into today’s clash between the two sides without exactly setting the heather on fire proves it may have some merit.
After Sunday’s 3-0 success at derby rivals Dundee, Armstrong reckons United are hitting a good run at the right time and will go into today’s game against Terry Butcher’s high-fliers brimming with confidence.
“Everyone’s talking about how Inverness and Aberdeen are having a really goodseason and that we’re struggling but I think if we win we’ll be right up next to them, so it makes things interesting,” he noted.
“Inverness like to pass the ball about and try and get in behind you, so it should be a good entertaining game.
“But we’re hoping we can build on the derby and it’s good to see us get back scoring goals.
“I think maybe a month ago we wouldn’t be as confident going into the game but after some good performances, I’d say we are really confident going into this one.
“I think it will be a good game and will be packed with goals, but it’s definitely a game we can win.
“It’s also good we’re at home as well because the fans will be key to us over the festive period.
“We’ve got a lot of games coming up and there’s always a good turnout at this time of year, so hopefully, they can do their bit for us.”
The 20-year-old admits it will be a tough ask against a team who have only lost once in 16 games and pointed to his side’s 4-0 loss up at Inverness in September as proof.
Armstrong, who actually played with Caley as a 17-year-old youth, was a second-half substitute that day and by then, any hope of taking the points back down the road had gone.
He recalled: “It was a poor day.
“I remember the game well because we had a good chance early on through Jon Daly and another one shortly after that through Johnny Russell.
“But we conceded two goals on the bounce and that sort of killed us off.
“It was an uphill struggle and nothing went right for us that day.
“It was probably one of our poorest performances of the season.
“I wouldn’t have thought at the start of the season that Inverness would be up where they are but they have got some goodplayers.”
Armstrong has pinpointed the Shinnie brothers, Andrew and Graeme, as two of the danger men for his side to look out for and the Inverness-born winger revealed he has known the pair for some time.
“I know Graeme quite well because I was at the same boys’ club and I trained with Rangers with Andrew for a while, so I know him as well,” he continued.
“They have been key to their form this season and I think Andrew, in particular, is a very good player off the front.
“Graeme is equally as good andbeing captain at such a young age is good for him.
“I’ve always thought Andrew was a great player, even when I was younger, because he’s got a great touch, great awareness and I think he’s maybe a cut above the rest.”
United boss Peter Houston travelled north during the week to watch Inverness knock Ross County out of the Scottish Cup and was impressed with what he saw.
“Inverness are a team full of confidence,” he said.
“They have a front four which I call them who are very exciting.
“Billy McKay is scoring all the goals and he’s been ably backed up by Aaron Doran and Richie Foran.
“Andrew Shinnie is there as well and he’s an excellent player who recently got his first Scotland call-up.
“They attack at pace and they are backed up by two centre midfield players who help the team no end, so it will be a very tough match for us.
“We have to certainly be like we have been in the last couple of games and hopefully, get a clean sheet at least.”
United defender Sean Dillon is doubtful as he continues to be troubled with a thigh strain while Gary Mackay-Steven is still out after breaking his hand recently.
csmith@thecourier.co.uk