Jim Goodwin looking beyond Celtic test as Dundee United boss admits one eye will be elsewhere with team selection
Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has admitted he will be heading to Celtic Park with one eye on the weekend’s trip to St Mirren.
United are currently third in the table and Goodwin has admitted with the current deluge of games he will have to manage his squad accordingly. The Irishman knows that United’s best chance of picking up points is in Paisley although he isn’t waving the white flag when they head to Parkhead on Wednesday either.
Goodwin, who led United to a 0-0 home draw with Celtic last month, stated: “Going to Parkhead is probably the most difficult game we could have, with Celtic in the form they are in. They had a great result against St Mirren on Sunday, and we need to try to make sure the players are recovered and ready. We have a number of players carrying knocks and niggles, so we’ll see what kind of team we have available to us on Wednesday – and we’ll definitely have one eye on the game on Saturday against St Mirren.
“It’s about getting the balance right; putting a team on the park on Wednesday that’s competitive enough and capable of getting a result and leaving enough in the tank for that quick turnaround for St Mirren.”
The Dundee United boss expects Celtic to up their game at home and especially after they dropped points against his side last time out. Goodwin insisted: "Celtic at Parkhead is slightly different to Celtic away from home.
“However, I thought the overall performance here at Tannadice was very good without the ball. We recognise that Celtic will dominate possession on Wednesday – they have done in every game at home – and the shape, discipline and concentration levels will need to be sky high because we know they can cut you open.
“We need to make sure those distances are right, then get pace in the team so we can carry a threat on the counterattack.”
North Macedonian international David Babunski missed the Hearts game but Goodwin hopes he will be okay for the trip to Glasgow. He is already down to the bare bones so his return would be a welcome boost.
He said: “David was still recovering from illness. Hopefully he’ll be available for the game on Wednesday and, if not, he should be back for Saturday.”
