Levein: We won't lie down to avenge Gers loss

May 18 2008 By Gavin Berry

CRAIG LEVEIN has shot down the conspiracy theorists who claim Dundee United will lie down to Celtic - insisting his players will go all out for the win.

Gordon Strachan takes his title-chasing Hoops to Tannadice on Thursday when a win could clinch their third successive SPL crown.

Snipers have been having a field day since United's unjust defeat to Rangers at Ibrox, claiming the Arabs would rather Celtic clinched the title.

Ref Mike McCurry confessed later he should have awarded United a penalty and a goal in the 3-1 defeat.

Arabs striker Mark De Vries sarcastically asked McCurry if his header counted after he'd finally registered a goal.

Despite all that Levein insists he doesn't care who takes the title - he only wants United to finish the season on a high.

He said: "We want to finish as far up as possible and fourth is a possibility. But to do that we need to get points.

"We're at home where our record is decent. Against the Old Firm this season we've done reasonably well although we haven't beaten Celtic.

"I'm not interested in the whole title thing - I'm only worried about United.

"We tried our hardest to beat Rangers last weekend and we'll try our hardest to beat Celtic on Thursday.

"We've got something to play for. I'll be putting out what I consider is my strongest team to try to win.

"I've got a group of players whose mentality is such that every time they go on to the pitch they do their best.

"If we win it gives us a far better chance of finishing in fourth position. So we're looking for the three points."

Dundee United narrowly missed out on qualification for the UEFA Cup and were cruelly denied CIS Cup glory by Rangers on penalties.

But Levein insists they'll be even stronger next season.

He said: "Our goal will be to be better than this year and if we improve then we'll have a decent chance of Europe.

"If I can get the signings right in the summer it bodes well for next year. This season has been good but we can make the next one even better."