Jim Goodwin backs Dundee United new boys to shine at Ibrox in Rangers test

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin senses his summer signings are ready to seize the opportunity to showcase themselves at Ibrox.

None of Goodwin’s 14 new signings came from Scotland and Saturday’s clash against Rangers will be their first opportunity to face one of the William Hill Premiership’s biggest two clubs.

“Of the signings that we made in the summer the big draw is to come and play at places like Ibrox and Parkhead,” Goodwin said.

“That is one of the selling points that we make and that’s the reason why a lot of them have come to Scotland: to raise their profile, to play against big teams and to perform well.

“I suppose it could be a positive to the point where there’s not that fear factor, because I think 12 or 13 of the 14 players we signed in the summer have never played at Ibrox before, so they don’t know what to expect.

“I don’t think there’s any fear, I think there’s a real sense of excitement to go and play in that type of environment, so hopefully the boys show the best of themselves.”

United will take on a team in transition with under-19s coach Steven Smith in caretaker charge in between the dismissal of Russell Martin and anticipated arrival of Kevin Muscat.

Goodwin said: “I would imagine they’ve pretty much stripped it back to basics and not overcomplicated the game, and that may lead to those players playing with a bit more freedom.

“But we don’t know what to expect. We can only focus on ourselves and make sure that we’re doing our job properly in and out of possession.

“We’ve got to get back to defending properly, not conceding sloppy goals like we did a couple of weeks ago against Livingston, gifting the opposition a goal they didn’t have to work too hard for.

“I know Rangers aren’t in the position they would want to be or expect to be but they are still very much a team full of quality individuals. We can’t afford to gift the opposition chances like we have done.

“Supporters no doubt will be buoyant because they got what they wanted in the end, which is a change of manager, and we’re expecting a completely different type of atmosphere to what might have been a couple of weeks ago.

“The defensive structure is always a big part when you go to places like Ibrox and Parkhead.

“But I look at the players that we have in the forward areas and I really believe that, if we’re performing to the levels that we’re capable of, then we can most certainly cause Rangers a few problems of our own.”