Front man Steven Thompson reckons Dundee United could profit, at the expense of tonight's CIS Cup quarter-final opponents Rangers, from finding themselves cast in an unaccustomed pressure free role. There has not been a game this season in which United have not been under strain, the cup ties against Alloa and Airdrie having carried the threat of a humbling by lower league opposition and their SPL fixtures offering only the challenge of a desperate battle for points amid a growing threat of relegation. But this evening, for the first time, they find themselves free of the burden of expectation because even though Rangers have lost four matches on the bounce it would, given the fact United haven't won any of their 13 league fixtures this term, be a major surprise if the champions failed to make the last four of the competition. And that's a position Thompson is comfortable with. "While there is never a good time to go to Ibrox considering Rangers' recent record this is probably as good a time as any," said the Tangerines striker.

"It's certainly going to be nice to get away from the pressures of the league and I think we could benefit from the fact we are relaxed and able to enjoy this one. "We've not fulfilled the fans' expectations at all this year and are on a worse run than Rangers but the expectation of them is even higher and if, free from nerves, we put in the same workrate as we've done for the last two games then we have a chance because even if the results still haven't been coming there has been a definite change for the better in the spirit and confidence within the squad of late. "It's a big surprise seeing Rangers like this because they have been so dominant for so long. "But within three weeks they could be back up the league and in the next stage of the Champions League-although hopefully not in the semis of the CIS Cup!" United boss Alex Smith yesterday pledged his side would seek to tackle the troubled Glasgow outfit head on.

"The fact Rangers have taken a lot of criticism recently and are under a great deal of pressure won't make them any less dangerous opponents," he said. "But we won't be going there just to sit back and see what they throw at us. "We'll make a game of it. "I am not saying we'll be charging forward willy-nilly, but we will play in a manner than gives us a chance to win the tie and gain a welcome boost and it would be great if we could do what Kilmarnock did at the weekend and deny them early encouragement because then they would find their fans getting on their backs." United are still without David Hannah and cannot call on Argentinian trialist Beto Naveda as only signed players can feature in this competition.

But Smith has no new injury problems to contend with which means he will make few changes to the side which produced a much-improved performance against Hibs at the weekend. And goalkeeper Alan Combe will be in his usual place despite finding himself caught up in a row involving Hibs fans. Tayside Police are looking into claims that after conceding the only goal of the game Combe kicked his water bottle into the crowd, where it struck a seat spraying the contents over a young visiting supporter. However, following an internal investigation of the incident United are satisfied that what occurred was accidental rather than deliberate. "Having lost the goal Alan went to kick his flask into the net," said Smith. "But he missed the target and it spun off the side-netting and hit the seat. "It was an accident and Alan intends sending a letter of apology to the lad concerned."

Meanwhile, Smith has promised not to rush back long-term casualty Danny Griffin. The Northern Ireland internationalist hasn't kicked a ball in the first team-being restricted to just two under- 21 appearances -since his £600,000 summer move from St Johnstone as a consequence of complications from a minor knee operation, leading to rumours his career might be under threat. Smith denied their was a question mark over Griffin playing again but did admit it will be some time yet before he is available to make his SPL bow for the club. "Danny is still getting slight discomfort in the knee and will continue just to rest it until he goes back to the specialist in two or three weeks' time," said Smith. "Frustration is obviously becoming a problem for him but it is far better that he is right before he plays rather than we throw him in early and set him back, as happened once before." ©The Courier