Jim Lauchlan believes Dundee United can pile even more pressure on Rangers when they meet up in the CIS Insurance Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. Both clubs are suffering slumps as they head into tomorrow night’s tie The Light Blues were at the wrong end of Saturday’s shock scoreline-a 3-0 drubbing from Kilmarnock that placed a huge question mark over their championship credentials. It was their third consecutive league defeat-the first time that has happened in 14 years. United, of course can beat that statistic no problem.

They have not won in the SPL since last April. The remarkable thing is, however, that the Tangerines will head west with confidence and that is one commodity Dick Advocaat’s men lack just now. For while Rangers fans were booing their team off the park on Saturday, the Tannadice side received warm applause from supporters after losing just 1-0 to high-flying Hibs. And Lauchlan, who made an encouraging debut in what was United’s best display of the season so far, is in upbeat mood. "Rangers have hit a wee slump and though there is never really a good time to go to Ibrox it could be worse for us," said the former Scotland under-21 central defender.

"As it is not a league fixture the pressure will be off and we have to go there, relax and be positive. "Nobody expects Dundee United to get a result there and maybe that can drive us on. "OK, points are not up for grabs and that is what we so desperately need but a good performance would mean everything to this club. "What a confidence-booster that would be." ©The Courier