Dundee United’s match against Ross County has been given the go-ahead after a 9am pitch inspection.
Friday saw persistent heavy snow in the city, and officials met on Saturday to make an early decision in a bid to ensure County fans wouldn’t make a wasted trip south should the game have had to be postponed.
However, with conditions bright this morning referee Ian Brines was able to give the match his all-clear although the West Stand will be closed on safety grounds.
Dundee United boss Peter Houston insists the midweek mauling at Celtic Park will have no adverse effect on his players’ morale.
The departing Tangerines manager endured an uncomfortable 90 minutes on Tuesday night as Neil Lennon’s rampant Hoops netted four goals without reply to secure a comfortable victory.
However, Houston pointed out that United have not won in the East End of Glasgow for almost two decades and insists his side should be judged on results against the rest of the SPL, starting against the Staggies.
He said: “I’ve no worries about the players bouncing back. We’re just one point off the top six and, if results go well and in our favour this weekend, we could be up there.
“It would be a huge achievement to get into the top six, which is still our number one aim.
“We were all obviously disappointed with the result at Parkhead but it’s 19 years since Dundee United have won a league match through there, so there are probably better United teams who have gone there and lost.
“Celtic are a quality side who are in the last 16 of the Champions League and we won’t be judged on results at Parkhead.
“Our league is against the other teams in the division and we’re capable of beating any side on our day.
“We went to Rugby Park last Saturday, played exceptionally well. We’ll be looking to do the same against Ross County.
“We’ve had too many draws at Tannadice this season, so we have to turn them into wins.”
One of the stalemates at home came against the Staggies, when the two sides drew 0-0 in September and Houston is expecting another tough game this time.
He said: “It’s a fine line where we need that extra bit of quality. We’re looking for guys like Gary Mackay-Steven, Jon Daly and Johnny Russell to produce that bit of magic.
“We’ll need patience for sure. Ross County came here the last time and sat to play on the counter-attack, which I’m expecting them to do again.”
The clock is ticking towards the transfer window closing and Houston revealed if an offer does come in for one of United’s prize assets he would have no say on whether it should be accepted.
“It will be outwith my hands,” he said. “It’s the same at any SPL club, including Celtic. If they get the right offer for Gary Hooper then he’ll go trust me.
“It’s the exact same at Dundee United and I wouldn’t hold anybody back either.
“It’s a fact of life these days. It’s more important the club survives. It’s just the way it is with football in this country now and I understand why the chairman and the board of directors would accept bids.
“I think the chairman got his fingers burnt when Middlesbrough made a very good offer for Craig Conway after we won the Scottish Cup.
“To be fair, the chairman wanted to keep the squad together and credit to him but in hindsight, I think he learned a lesson and maybe he should have moved him on.”