Houston rallies side for derby

Published Aug. 18, 2012 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

United have waited seven years for the return of the much-missed fixture within the City of Discovery following Dundee's relegation down to the First Division.

Now the two old rivals are about to meet head-to-head in a long-awaited derby clash in front of a full Tannadice and Houston hopes his side embrace the challenge.

Houston said: "I think it's fair to say that in recent times we have always envied the other derbies in Scotland.

"When you look at the likes of the Glasgow and Edinburgh derbies there have been times we have wished that we could be playing in our own derby.

"That's only natural from our point of view and now it's just about here we obviously want to make the most of it.

"It promises to be a great afternoon for everyone involved.

"When you see the stadium sold out you realise that's exactly what we want to see here in Scotland.

"Both sets of fans have wasted no time in selling out their respective ticket allocations which tells you about the passion for the fixture on either side.

"It's a great sign. We'll go out and play in our usual manner and hopefully get the result we're looking for."

United will wait until the last minute for Johnny Russell (groin), Sean Dillon (groin), Gary Mackay-Steven (knee), and Gavin Gunning (back) in the hope they can all prove their fitness.

Houston said: "It's just one of these things that we have to deal with but hopefully the lads can make it.

"The players have been raring to go in training this week and this will be a bit different from some other games which is what makes it so special."