Kerr: No One Will Throw Us Lifeline If We Fall In To The Clyde

Jan 6 2008

Clyde V Dundee Utd Saturday, Kick-Off 12.45 Live Sky Sports 1

MARK KERR knows the whole country will tune in to Dundee United's trip to Broadwood baying for the SPL side's blood - so he's on a mission to avoid another giant-killing and leave the punters disappointed.

Clyde have a reputation as Scotland's cup shock-troops two years after their heroic 2-1 win over Celtic and telly bosses hope they can strike again.

Goals from Craig Bryson and Eddie Malone knocked the favourites out at the first hurdle, giving the tournament its biggest shock in decades.

Kerr knows victory over his team, who lie fourth in the SPL, would not cause the same waves but is still determined to ensure all the viewers are going to see is another win for Craig Levein's men.

The midfielder said: "Everybody knows about what Clyde did against Celtic a few years ago and that's probably the reason they have picked our game to show live.

"We know they're hoping we will fall flat on our faces and give them another shock result so it's up to us to make sure that doesn't happen.

"Clyde's win over Celtic was one of the biggest cup results of all time.

It was amazing and people all over the world heard about it.

"Roy Keane had just signed for Celtic and they had loads of international players in their line-up.

"So it was a remarkable achievement for Clyde to beat them. "We're not nearly as big a scalp as Celtic but that doesn't mean they won't be just as up for it.

"Every player in Division One wants to show he can compete with the SPL sides.

"The Clyde team has changed a lot since then and they have a new manager but their players will be fired up to cause an upset."

Kerr moved to Tannadice from Falkirk in 2003 so knows first hand just how demanding the First Division can be.

He has great respect for players in the lower leagues and points to team-mates Morgaro Gomis and Danny Swanson, who signed from clubs in Division Three, as proof there is quality right throughout the Scottish game.

He said: "I played in the First Division with Falkirk so know just how tough a league it is.

"There are a lot of experienced guys and plenty of up-and-coming young players so we know it's going to be tough against Clyde. At United we've taken a few players out of the lower leagues, guys like Gomis and Swanson, so that shows there are good players out there."

United knocked First Division leaders Hamilton out of the CIS Cup to set up a last-four meeting with Aberdeen later this month.

And Kerr would love to go into that game knowing they are still in the hunt for a cup double.

He said: "Hamilton gave us a right good game but we were able to see it out.

"It's always a test of character but we've proved already we're capable of winning in a cup situation.

"We've got the CIS semi-final to look forward to and we're building up to that so the lads want to go into that game knowing we are still in the Scottish Cup too."