Dundee United

Goals from Nikolaj Moller and Panutche Camara sealed Dundee United's spot in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup at Ayr United's expense.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin tells BBC Scotland: "The cup games are about getting the result and making sure your team is in the hat when the draw comes around.

"We never expected today to be easy or straightforward. Ayr United are a good team, well organised with experienced players.

"Scott Brown has recruited really well and we found it difficult to break them down.

"Second half there was an improvement in the tempo of the game and we deserved to win the game in the end.

"We had enough control in the game, but didn't do enough in the final third.

"We scored a couple of good goals and Dave Richards had very little to do. The longer the game goes on without the first goal, you can feel the tension, but the players deserve credit for staying calm and finding that all-important first goal.

"I'm delighted for Nico and Pan. Nico came into the squad late in the summer - he's been working ever so hard to get that sharpness and that goal will give him a lot of confidence.

"We all want to get to Hampden, not just to the semi-final, but you've got to take it one game at a time. What we can look at is past winners who have managed to find a way.

"It was important to get back to winning ways - we've got a really difficult fixture coming up against St Mirren at home."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin is urging his side to "show why we are the Premiership team" when they host Ayr in the Scottish Cup fourth round on Saturday.

United, who are seventh in the Premiership, start as favourites against Scott Brown's second-tier promotion hopefuls.

With defeats in their past two league games - a 1-0 loss to rivals Dundee and 4-0 thrashing at Parkhead - the Tangerines are aiming to spark an upturn in the cup.

"Prior to the Dundee game we were ticking along nicely in the league," Goodwin said.

"Five games unbeaten and now, unfortunately, we have lost our last two fixtures against Dundee and away at Celtic.

"We are all bitterly disappointed with that but we have to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible and that has to start this weekend.

"This is a huge game for us all and it is not going to be easy, we don't underestimate Ayr United."

With the favourites tag comes an expectation to see off an Ayr team who will be travelling to Tayside with the pressure off.

"The expectation is there for us as the Premiership club," Goodwin added.

"Playing at home in front of our own fans but it is one of those that you could look at from the outside and think it is a potential banana skin.

"But at the same time I believe if we perform at the level we are capable of then the result should take care of itself.

"We know they are a good experienced group they have younger players within their ranks that are probably wanting to go and prove a point and feel as if they should be in the Premiership.

"We have got to go and show why we are the Premiership team and everybody needs to be at it."

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to beat a host of Premier League rivals to the signing of 17-year-old Aberdeen midfielder Cooper Masson, who is on loan to Kelty Hearts, and 15-year-old Dundee United striker Kai Hutchison. (TeamTalk), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Versatile new United signing Neil Farrugia admits he's "happiest" where he's creating chances, having played a "multitude of positions" this season.

The 26-year-old has joined from League One Barnsley, having previously featured for frequent League of Ireland winners Shamrock Rovers.

While starts were hard to come by at Oakwell this season, he appeared at left-back, right wing and even up front.

"Having the option to have both feet helps you be more unpredictable I found, especially as a forward player," Farrugia told DUTV.

"I think that unpredictability has made me develop that sort of weaker side my weaker foot. I love getting on the ball, making things happen, being very positive on the ball and creating opportunities.

"I've played in a multitude of positions and as long as I'm there trying to create opportunities, that's where I'm happiest."

Most of his football so far came in south Dublin for Rovers, winning four league titles and a couple of cup during his five-and-a-half year spell.

"I've learned so much at Shamrock Rovers and it'll carry me through for the rest of my career," he said. "There was always that expectation where every team wanted to beat you, every team and everyone was rooting for the other team.

"It's a matter of focusing on yourselves and doing it for the people that are in and around the dressing room, and somehow try not to listen to any noise, which could be hard, but that's where the key is really."

Farrugia also has a familiar face in the dressing room, having played with United striker Max Watters last season at Barnsley.

"I've been training hard and I'm ready to go, raring to go, it's always hard coming into a new dressing room in the winter, but I did it last year, so this will be no different.

"Max has been great since I've come in here, showing me the ropes and where everything is, it's very helpful having a familiar face."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin admits he doesn't "want to be doing too much business" in the January transfer window after making Irish wing-back Neil Farrugia his first signing.

"January is never really a window we want top be doing too much business in," Goodwin said.

"We had a very busy summer window with the 14 new signings coming in, but we are always looking to strengthen.

"If there are players like Neil that become available then we are in a strong position to do something about it, but we are very happy with the group of players we have."

The manager also revealed he had previously tried to sign Farrugia before the 26-year-old moved from Shamrock Rovers to Barnsley in January 2025.

"Neil has played a decent amount of football for Barnsley but he doesn't want to be a bit-part player," Goodwin added.

"He is at a really important stage in his career, he wants to be playing regularly and he has ambitions of trying to force his way into the international stage as well so he feels Dundee United and the Scottish Premiership gives him the best opportunity to do that."

While Goodwin doesn't want to add many, he is looking at bolstering his goalkeeper options following Yevhen Kucherenko's move to Greek side Panetolikos.

"I like to have three first-team players in that area," he said. "At the moment we have Dave Richards and Ruairidh Adams, so it is certainly a position we are looking at.

"It is not necessarily to come in and take the place of Dave Richards, but we do need a bit more competition there because if we were to suffer an injury to Ruairidh or Dave then we would leave ourselves in a difficult position."

Meanwhile, midfielder Isaac Pappoe - who arrived on loan from Ferencvaros last summer - looks set to leave after his season was cut short by injury.

"Isaac unfortunately suffered a really serious knee injury and underwent surgery but it looks like his season is going to be over and we have the discussions with Ferencvaros about potentially trying to terminate the loan to free up a loan spot for ourselves," said Goodwin.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to host Ayr United in this weekend's Scottish Cup tie.

Here are the main points:

• Goodwin is "really excited" to have signed Barnsley wing-back Neil Farrugia, who was a "serial winner" with Shamrock Rovers.

• Farrugia is player Goodwin has "known for a considerable period of time" and previously tried to sign him before he made the switch from Ireland to England.

• The United boss says "his all-round game and athleticism is really suited to the Scottish Premiership," adding the 26-year-old wants to play regularly and force his way into the Ireland squad.

• On the prospect of more new signings, the manager stresses "January is never really a window where you want to do too much business" but adds United are "always looking to strengthen".

• Goodwin admits they are "looking at" the goalkeeping department where the manager would like to add more cover and competition.

• "Conversations are ongoing" with Ferencvaros to terminate the loan of midfielder Isaac Pappoe, whose season "looks to be over" due to an injury that required surgery earlier this term.

• Goodwin says this weekend's cup tie is a "huge" game and points out that after back-to-back league defeats "we have to get back to winning as quickly as possible".

• He describes Ayr as a "good, experienced" side, who United will give the utmost respect to, but wants his side to "show why we are a Premiership team".

• Goodwin admits, from the outside, the game may look "a potential banana skin" and the expectation is on United as the Premiership team playing at home.

• While the Irishman says lifting a trophy is everybody's "dream", he also believes it's "something we're capable of doing" and stresses "it's not just about Celtic and Rangers, their name is never on the trophy at the beginning".

• No fresh team news but new signing Faruggia is fit and will be in the squad.

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Wing-back Neil Farrugia - who once turned down the chance to join Pep Guardiola's Manchester City - has joined Dundee United from Barnsley on a contract until summer 2028.

United manager Jim Goodwin says the 26-year-old adds "vast experience" to the Tannadice side.

Paris-born Republic of Ireland youth international Farrugia began his career with UCD where his form led to a trial at Man City, but he rejected a permanent deal to focus on completing his degree in biomedical science.

He subsequently joined Shamrock Rovers in summer 2019, going on to make 136 appearances, scoring 12 goals.

Last January he made the switch to English League One Barnsley where he played 30 games, scored once and provided three assists.

Faruggia has been called up to the senior Ireland squad but is yet to make his debut.

"Neil is a player who fits our tactical framework extremely well and adds depth and quality in key areas we have been looking to strengthen," manager Goodwin said.

"Defensively, Neil is disciplined and intelligent in his positioning. He recovers quickly in transition and is comfortable defending in one-versus-one scenarios - that balance between attacking intent and defensive responsibility is imperative to our style of football.

"He also brings vast experience from different environments, having played almost 200 senior games back home in Ireland under the demands of consistent success, featured regularly in high-profile European competition and tested himself down south throughout the past year.

"At 26, he is at an age where he understands the game well but still has scope to improve within our structure."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United won't be judged by their 4-0 defeat at a Celtic side lifted by Martin O'Neill's dugout return - but they will be by how they react to it.

It has been a flat campaign for United, who are seventh in the Premiership, but they still harbour hopes of challenging for the European places and going on a run in the Scottish Cup.

Their next five games are critical to both those ends.

Anything other than a victory at home to Championship side Ayr United this weekend seems unthinkable.

After that, three of their next four league games are at home (to St Mirren, Hearts and Aberdeen) with a trip to Hibs in among that run.

It feels like a sequence of matches where there is a real chance to build up a positive head of steam.

Conversely, if things don't go to plan, the Tannadice faithful could become resigned to the fact mid-table mediocrity may be the best they can hope for over the coming months.

Dundee United are set to hold talks with a view to annulling the loan deal of Ferencvaros midfielder Isaac Pappoe, with the 22-year-old unlikely to play again this season after sustaining a knee injury in August. (The Courier - subscription required), external

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

Thirty three years. That's how long Parkhead has been a place of hope followed by the same sinking feeling when the final whistle is blown.

Thankfully my grandad's 90th birthday gathering meant not having to endure another torrid, turgid and dare I say training match away to Celtic.

You go into this fixture telling yourself this time might be different. That hope usually lasts about 10 minutes.

A flat back 10. No out ball. No pressure. Just wave after wave coming back at us. Damage limitation dressed up as a plan. It keeps the score down for a bit but kills any chance of belief.

Then there's the ticket. Eye-watering money for supporters to shell out. Fans pay it because they always do. Because it's your club. And once again you leave feeling robbed blind for the privilege.

And then that green pole blocking your view. Standing there like a monument to everything that goes wrong for us in that corner of Glasgow. A blessing in disguise when it's blocking our goal right enough.

Not that it means anything, and because I'm getting fed up at myself for constantly going on about it, but surely that's a red card challenge on Will Ferry?

Anyway, another defeat, another lesson and another year added to the count.

Parkhead heartache again, some traditions never change.

Ronny Costello can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external

Dundee United are close to securing the capture of 26-year-old Barnsley winger Neil Farrugia, with the Irish winger likely to be confirmed on a permanent contract until the summer of 2028 on Tuesday. (The Courier), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Barnsley defender Neil Farrugia, 26, is a target for Dundee United. (Courier - subscription required), external

Irishman Farrugia is leaving Barnsley to join United. (Irish Independent - subscription required), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

Watch highlights as Celtic win 4-0 against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your thoughts after Dundee United lost 4-0 against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Here's what some of you said:

John: It's not a game that decides the season, but it should serve as a reminder that we are closer to a relegation scrap than aiming for Europe. Conceding too many at the back and not offering enough going forward will leave us in a dog fight after the split.

George: I haven't been critical of Jim Goodwin all season but why when facing a Celtic team not at their best he was so negative in team selection I can't comprehend. Everyone knew they would get a bounce off the back of Martin O'Neill's return but to invite them to attack after attack was asking for problems. We should have been more positive and tried to get them on the back foot. I'm prepared to let this one go but hope to seem a more positive team selection for the rest of the season.

Paul: Goodwin is a terrible manager but thinks he's a tactical genius. Terrible formation and tactics again. Changed the system at half-time, like he does most weeks because he got it wrong initially. United are better than this. Goodwin has to go.

Kieran: Dire, dull and damn right awful. I've said it before I'll say it again Goodwin is on borrowed time. I wouldn't mind getting beat if we offered something but we didn't lay a glove on them at all. So pragmatic, reactive and negative. Something needs to change and quickly whether Goodwin goes or the system does something has to give.

Jimmy: Outclassed by a mediocre Celtic. Goodwin has reached his limit. For a time it was win one, lose one. Now the players look lost and their quality is being found out. Absolutely shocking.

Richard: Absolutely shocking yet again. Goodwin is rapidly taking us on a downward spiral, and doesn't seem to know anything other than to be defensive. Change is now required!

Martin O'Neill marked his first game back in charge by returning Celtic to second place in the Scottish Premiership - and within three points of leaders Hearts - with a comfortable victory over struggling Dundee United.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "We always knew today's fixture was going to be difficult.

"We know the quality Celtic have got but obviously the change in management has given the players and home supporters are real lift because the atmosphere in here was a lot better than what it was a week prior.

"They're playing a formation and a system that the players are familiar with, and one that suits the squad they've got. When you come here you know you're going to be starved of possession at times and you have to really show a bit of resilience in and around your penalty area and I think today there's lots of areas within the goals we've conceded we could've done a lot better. When you give Celtic a two goal advantage it becomes a mountain to climb.

"Owen Stirton led the line well, it was really difficult to get good service up to him btu I thought he put in a real shift. He had a couple of good opportunities himself that he'll feel himself he probably should've done better.

"When you come here you have to do the basics well defensively, at times you need your goalkeeper to make saves and when you get half chances you've got to be clinical and take them, we couldn't do that today.

"Next Saturday is a huge fixture, we want to try and go far in the Scottish Cup. It's going to be a really difficult game, there will be no pressure on Ayr United but the expectation is there for us. We have to defend better than we did today. Hopefully we'll show a better version of ourselves in that fixture."

On Julian Araujo's challenge on Will Ferry, Goodwin added: "I thought the Celtic defender was a little bit out of control. Will Ferry took a real sore one, VAR seemed to skim over it pretty quickly so if they're satisfied with it then it's fine."

Manager Jim Goodwin is not surprised there has been speculation about Krisztian Keresztes, 26, but has insisted Dundee United remain in a strong position to exercise their option to buy the defender from Nyiregyhaza Spartacus despite interest from other clubs. (Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Celtic are without Kelechi Iheanacho, Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand and Marcelo Saracchi (all hamstring) along with Jota (knee) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles).

Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha could be involved after Africa Cup of Nations duty.

United expect to have Ryan Strain and Dario Naamo available after groin injuries. Isaac Pappoe (knee) remains out.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Saturday's trip to Celtic.

Here are the main points:

• Goodwin insists the team let themselves and the supporters down in the derby defeat at home to Dundee last week but can't afford to "dwell on it".

• He describes Martin O'Neill's return to Celtic for a second interim spell a month after leaving as "bizarre circumstances", but says he "showed what he could do the previous time".

• Goodwin was a Celtic player during O'Neill's first two years in charge but never made an appearance under the Northern Irishman. He says: "I did a pre-season tour with them in Denmark, but Martin soon figured out I wasn't quite up to the level and very quickly put me back down with the reserves where I spent the next couple of years."

• He says O'Neill has an "aura", explaining: "When he walked into the dressing room, there were some really big characters at the time with the likes of Chris Sutton, John Hartson, Stiliyan Petrov and Neil Lennon. But as soon as Martin O'Neill popped his head in the door, you could hear a pin drop. That's the kind of aura he possesses."

• United aim to "upset the party" at Parkhead on Saturday. After beating the defending champions 2-1 last month during Wilfried Nancy's tenure, Goodwin is expected a "different Celtic" but wants a similar performance from his side.

• He expects Celtic to revert to a back four and says the players will "get a lift from that".

• On transfers, Goodwin was asked if he is seeking to sign a goalkeeper following Yevhen Kucherenko's exit this week. He replied: "We're looking to strengthen the squad in any area we can."

• On Kucherenko's departure, Goodwin believes there is a "really good goalkeeper in there" but "big mistakes in some big games" seriously impacted his confidence.

• With 12 games left before the split, Goodwin says the top five are "very strong" and he expects United to be battling for sixth spot along with Falkirk, Aberdeen, St Mirren and Dundee.

• He adds: "There's so much to play for for so many teams. It's been the most competitive Scottish Premiership I can remember as a player or as a manager."

• United have a "full complement of players available" for Saturday's game.