Darren Jackson believes Dundee United can take a massive step in their bid to beat the drop this weekend as they face the biggest derby in 20 years.
The former Tannadice player and coach has always believed that his old club has the quality to survive automatic relegation.
And Jackson knows if Kilmarnock lose to Celtic on Saturday lunchtime and United beat Dundee on Sunday, avoiding 12th place will be back in their own hands.
Jackson said: “This is probably the biggest Dundee derby in two decades simply because of the situation Dundee United are in.
“The result is massively important for United, especially with Kilmarnock playing Celtic.
“Hopefully they can go and get a result and I think they showed enough last Friday night at Motherwell that they can.
“I know there is quality in there. I have stuck my neck out and said they will survive but I have only done that because I see the quality in the dressing room and people are getting back fit now.
“Hamilton winning last weekend would have been a huge blow. United have to worry about themselves winning but when they come of the pitch they will be hoping other results go their way.
“If they were to win and Kilmarnock were to lose that would make it a five-point gap with a game in hand and they would still have Killie to play.
“Killie are down there fighting but I just think United have that bit more quality.”
Jackson was dismissed along with manager Jackie McNamara and assistant Simon Donnelly on September 26 just nine games into the season with United second bottom but only six points from seventh place.
But he has no axe to grind with any of the players, many of whom he is still in contact with.
He said: “I know the boys, I still speak to quite a few of them and I know the quality they have.
“For their sake, you just want them to survive and kick on. I know they are better than results have shown.
“We are away now and we have to move on. But I am not even thinking about relegation – I still think they can survive. Hopefully they can.”
* Former Scotland players Darren Jackson and Suzanne Grant joined local children at Lesser Hampden to celebrate Lidl UK’s partnership with the Scottish FA. It will provide opportunities in communities all over Scotland for boys and girls aged five to 12 years old, of all abilities, to participate in football in a fun, friendly and safe environment.