Today is disciplinary D-day for Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara.
The Tannadice gaffer will break off from preparing for Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers to attend a hearing at Hampden.
On the agenda at the national stadium will be the events of March 12, when United lost 1-0 at home to St Johnstone.
There was a touchline disagreement between McNamara and Saints boss Tommy Wright, who has also been called to account for his conduct that evening.
“Hopefully, we’ll get a positive outcome,” said McNamara. “We exchanged a few words on the touchline and it’s not the first time that’s happened.
“But there’s no problem between us. Tommy and I get on well. Frustration spilled over and both of us were speaking minutes after the game
finished. So I am hoping there will be a bit of common sense with it. All you can do is go down and go through the procedures then see what happens.”
It is not ideal that the build-up to Ibrox has to be interrupted but the United manager is trying to keep preparations as routine as possible.
“There will obviously be more attention on this one because of the game being played at Ibrox and various other things but we are preparing as we normally do,” said McNamara.
“The pressure is back on Rangers because of losing the Ramsdens Cup final but for me nothing has changed really.
“People are now saying we are favourites but I don’t even think about things like that.
“This week is about making sure the players enjoy training because when you start worrying about Saturday now you probably won’t sleep.
“Just enjoy it, go about your normal business. There is pressure but just go and enjoy it–that’s what you’re in this game for.
“You want to be involved in these occasions and make the most of it.”
McNamara, meanwhile, gave a heavy hint that Gary Mackay-Steven will start the semi-final after impressing as a substitute last weekend.
“GMS was excellent when he came on against Celtic and like everyone he will be a big player for us if picked,” he said.
“He came through the game and is ready for the weekend.”