Dundee United Have Got Both Craft and Graft

Oct 28 2007 By Gordon Waddell

DUNDEE UNITED full-back Sean Dillon reckons his side's strikers deserve as much credit as their defence for a clutch of clean sheets.

The Tannadice men have the joint best defensive record in Scotland - equalled only by today's opponents Rangers - and the Irishman has been an ever-present in the back four.

Craig Levein's men have yet to concede a goal in the league at home which has led to praise for their solid backline.

But as they prepare for their sternest test against the Ibrox club this afternoon the 24-year-old insists their attack is where the fortress wall starts.

Dillon said: "There's no doubt there's confidence in the defence.

"Lee Wilkie and Darren Dods have formed a great partnership and that helps full-backs like myself.

"But although the clean sheets are looked on as a credit to the back four and the keeper, it's not true. It comes from the guys up front backwards.

"Guys like Noel Hunt and Jordan Robertson do a shift and they are relentless at chasing things down.

"The two wider boys are tracking back all the time and the three in midfield always have to graft too.

"While we might be getting a lot of the plaudits we're grateful these guys make our job a lot easier."

Walter Smith's side will arrive at Tannadice buoyant after earning an Old Firm triumph and a heroic point in the Champions League against Barcelona in midweek.

And Dillon (right) doesn't need reminding of Gers' abilities.

After all he faced them on his debut when they were supposedly at their lowest ebb in January and still lost five goals!

He said: "They looked good on Wednesday night but then we realise how good Rangers are.

"People say they're better than the team we played last season and that was meant to be them at their worst.

"But everyone saw what happened in that game. We know this match is going to be as tough as any we've had this year.

"We were laughing the other night watching the Champions League because Barcelona were wearing our colour.

"I'm not sure we're going to have 68 per cent of possession in this game though. However, we're quietly confident going into every match without shouting our mouths off."