Dundee United caretaker-manager Paul Hegarty believes a dynamic combination can help him claim the role of Tannadice boss on a full-time basis.

Hegarty and coach Maurice Malpas have been handed the opportunity to impress chairman Eddie Thompson after he axed Alex Smith last week.

A move for Falkirk manager Ian McCall was rejected before grocery millionaire Thompson gave Hegarty the chance to prove himself.

Now the 42-year-old believes midfielder Charlie Miller and the Tannadice crowd can help his cause against Livingston.

Hegarty said: "The fans here have always been magnificent and they can act as our 12th man.

"However, it's up to the players as individuals and as a team to give them something to shout about right from the word go.

"It's important we start the game at a high tempo and keep it going for the whole 90 minutes.

"We've prepared really well over the last 10 days or so, but now it's time to do the business on the park."

Miller is set to be restored to the starting XI after he made a second-half appearance as a substitute at Easter Road two weeks ago.

Hegarty said: "Charlie has done well for us in the past. He's a big-time player and is a major cog in the wheel. When he plays well, Dundee United tend to play well."

But Hegarty was delighted to welcome back striker Jim Hamilton after nine months on the sidelines with thigh and knee injuries.

Hegarty said: "Hammy is ready to compete for a place, but whether he plays from the start is a different matter."

United captain Danny Griffin will be missing because of a back injury which has troubled him in recent weeks.

And midfielder Mark Wilson is unavailable after being called up to the Scotland Under-19 squad.

Livingston manager Jim Leishman believes the improvement in team morale at Almondvale has been the catalyst for their recent good form.

The West Lothian outfit started the season poorly amid allegations of dressing-room unrest, leaving the side propping up the Premier League.

But a 4-3 victory against Sturm Graz in the UEFA Cup and a creditable 1-1 draw with in-form Hearts in recent weeks has seen confidence return to the Livi players.

Leishman said: "There was a bit more spirit and passion about the performances against Sturm Graz and Hearts.

"The boys, to their credit, have been very positive. Against Hearts, I thought the performance was decent, and the second half against Sturm Graz was great.

"It was just how we lost goals on half-time that killed us really."

But Livi defender Gary Bollan has warned his team-mates to be wary of the psychological threat posed by Hegarty and Malpas ahead of the game.

Bollan played alongside the United caretaker-boss at Tannadice and knows just how much the chance to manage the team means to both men.

Bollan said: "Knowing Heggy and Maurice, they'll have the guys fired up for the game.