Houston expects tough Hearts challenge

Dundee United are expected to be without striker David Goodwillie for their visit to Hearts on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The 22-year-old Scottish international was due to complete a move to Blackburn Rovers that could eventually net around £2.8m for the Tayside club.

Manager Peter Houston was already anticipating a very tough game regardless of whether Goodwillie would have been part of it.

"Whatever Hearts team we face, we know it's going to be a very strong one because they've got a big group of players and a team that's full of confidence," he told BBC Scotland. "We'll go there and try and win the match, but at Tynecastle it's always difficult.

"If we have our strongest team out, we can be as good as any other team outside the Old Firm."

Hearts midfielder Ryan Stevenson should play despite suffering a hand wound during the 1-1 midweek Europa League draw against Paksi in Hungary.

But their goalscorer in that game, Jamie Hamill, is again suspended, while Mehdi Taouil, Andy Webster, Kevin Kyle, Andy Driver and Calum Elliot were all set to remain sidelined.

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