Impartial Jim Mcinally predicts a rare victory for Dundee United at Tannadice today. Having worn the Dark Blue and the Tangerine, Mcinally remains firmly interested in the fortunes of both clubs. But the ex-Scotland cap, whose other clubs included Celtic, Nottingham Forest, and Coventry, reckons United's do or die predicament will give them the result they desperately need. He said: "I know I am sticking my neck out tipping United to win this one.

"But Alex Smith has brought in real Scottish-type lads like Jim Lauchlan and Charlie Miller and sometimes it's the players who know all about derby passion who win. "Miller can provide the battling qualities and the poise needed in these games. "United are desperately needing a win and this may be the time when they do it." Mcinally, who still enjoys his football at Tayside Juniors level these days, insists that his prediction is not based on any personal bias, as he loved his spells on both sides of the street. "I was on loan at Dundee at the early part of my career, then finished off my playing days back at Dens," he added. "The most memorable aspect of that last spell was the incredible team spirit and banter in the dressing room. "There were great characters around the place. We gelled, and that was a vital factor in us winning the First Division."

And while Mcinally looks back on his Dark Blue days with fondness, his 10 years at Tannadice was by far the most successful spell of his career. "I moved to United from south of the border in 1986," he recalled. "They were a great side, having won the championship a few years earlier, and at that time were a force in Europe. "Players like Richard Gough, Billy Kirkwood, and Davie Dodds were moving on and United were going through a minor transition. "But with cup finals, European finals, and title challenges, I really had my best days at United and I have always had an affection for the supporters." ©Daily Express