HEARTS WILL BE ANOTHER EURO TEST

Aug 13 2005

By Euan Mcarthur

DAVID McCRACKEN reckons Dundee United's first foray into Europe for eight years will act as the ideal preparation for tomorrow's visit of Hearts.

The defender was outstanding for Gordon Chisholm's side in their 0-0draw with MyPa47 in the UEFA Cup tie on Thursday - his first taste of European football.

Now he's expecting a similar sort of challenge from George Burley's table-toppers McCracken said: 'I think it will be much like playing another continental side as their team is now totally different to what it was.

'I really don't know what to expect. But it will be another big challenge for us in what has been a hectic start to the season.

'But as a player you want to be tested in big games in front of big crowds so I'm looking forward to it.'

McCracken was singled out for special praise for his part in ensuring United left Finland as favourites to progress to the UEFA Cup first round proper.

The former Scotland Under-21 centre-back bounced back from his performance at Parkhead last weekend when he let John Hartson slip him for Celtic's opener.

McCracken said: 'I think I did a lot better against MyPa. The manager asked us before the game for a clean sheet and a solid defensive display and we delivered on that front.'

McCracken is confident United's impressive showing in Finland can act as a springboard in their SPL campaign.

He said: 'We were anticipating a lot of balls into the box targeted at their big guys. They had us under the cosh some of the time but I felt we coped well overall.

'A goalless draw in Europe is never a bad result and I want to take as many positives out of the game as I can.

'Hearts will obviously be a tough match but hopefully we can build on the result and the performance in Europe

Taken from the Scotsman