Jim Goodwin issues Dundee United rallying cry for Rangers as he calls for fearless approach at Tannadice

Jim Goodwin has urged his Dundee United stars not to fear or be overawed by Rangers because they have shown already they can be a match for anyone.

The Tangerines sit third in the Premiership and are unbeaten on their top-flight return. Goodwin knows his team face their toughest test to date when Philippe Clement takes his Light Blues to Tannadice on Sunday. He said: “I look back to Rangers’ previous league fixture [before the Old Firm] where they dismantled Ross County. They scored six goals and probably should have scored more.

“They have had some good performances already this season and we have to be wary of the quality they have in their team. We certainly can’t fear them or be overawed. The positive results I have had in the past against the big clubs have come with a lot of discipline, organisation, work hard defensively and at times be adventurous because that is the only way you can win.

“We have to get the balance right on Sunday. If we can do that, we give ourselves a chance of getting a positive result.”

Goodwin also expects a reaction from Rangers after their derby-day disaster. He said: “Sunday is going to be a tough test, with Rangers coming off the Celtic game. Prior to that, Rangers hadn’t lost a game domestically. Hearts ran them close in the first game and we have to look to that.

“I remember watching it back and Hearts really limited Rangers to any clear-cut chances. We have to study that and look to see what we can use to our advantage.”

Goodwin reckons United have a real bit of steel about them. He said: “Look at the result against Hearts, the difference between winning 1-0 and not losing was the structure of the team, the work rate and that willingness to go right to the end. Those traits are why