STEWART EYES CUP SCALP

Airdrie United player-manager Sandy Stewart believes a lack of confidence could cost Dundee United their place in the CIS Insurance Cup.

The sides are set to meet in the third round of the competition and, on paper, the Tannadice side should be favourites to progress comfortably.

But the top flight side have not won a game since their 4-1 defeat of Third Division strugglers Queen's Park in the previous round last month.

They remain rooted to the bottom of the SPL table and sacked their manager, Alex Smith, a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, confidence in the Airdrie camp is high after they held Kilmarnock to a goalless draw for 120 minutes before dumping them out of the cup on penalty kicks.

And Stewart sees no reason why his Second Division side can't claim another Premier League scalp.

He said: "The win against Kilmarnock definitely gives us more confidence and there is no reason why we can't go there and get a result.

"We know that Dundee United are a very strong SPL side and, if their confidence is up, we'll have to do our best to stifle that early on.

"The Premier League sides have quality - it's just whether they have the confidence to go with that.

"If we can do something early on, that will knock their confidence and might make it a bit easier for us.

"We hope to catch Dundee United on a off-night because that means anything can happen."

Both Jimmy Boyle and Alan Gow could miss the game after picking up knocks at the weekend.

Both players were injured during Saturday's 2-1 win against Berwick Rangers and now face late fitness tests for the third round tie.

Meanwhile, Dundee United caretaker manager Paul Hegarty insists he is "as relaxed as ever" as he heads into the tie.

Tannadice chairman Eddie Thompson has given Hegarty two games to prove himself as manager after the disastrous 3-2 home defeat by Livingston.

United held a comfortable two-goal lead before Livi stormed back in a nine-minute spell to claim all three points from under the Tangarines' noses.

But Hegarty maintains he is ready for the challenge of Second Division Airdrie United and Partick Thistle at the weekend.

Hegarty said: "I read those comments and I've just got to live with it. That's the chairman's decision.

"It's quite strange because I really don't feel under any pressure at all.

"I'm as relaxed as I've ever been in my life. I'm content because I know the players and the backroom staff cannot give me any more.

"Pressure is being unemployed for 18 months and that's what I had recently. It was the first time I've been out of work for 30 years.

"I'm just taking things as if I'm the manager here and the response from the players has been magnificent.

"We have to tighten up at the back and cannot underestimate Airdrie.

"I'm sure the players here can turn things around."