Goodwin not expecting fatigued St Mirren

Jim Goodwin does not expect former club St Mirren to be suffering from "fatigue" when they visit Dundee United in Sunday's Scottish League Cup tie.

Stephen Robinson's Buddies lost 3-1 away to Brann on Thursday, with the Norwegian side triumphing 4-2 in the Conference League third qualifying round.

United will have had eight days to prepare, with their last game away to Ross County in the Premiership on 10 August.

"Stephen Robinson has done fantastic at St Mirren in the last couple of seasons with the top-six finishes and getting them into Europe," said Dundee United manager Goodwin.

"They can be very proud of their efforts. They played against a very good Brann side. I don't think the fatigue thing will play a part because St Mirren have got quite a strong squad with good strength in depth.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see maybe four or five changes from the team that started against Brann. They have players they can bring in who are very good quality players.

"I'm sure Stephen will be disappointed with the last couple of results and will be looking to make amends, but it's a game we've got to approach in a positive fashion."

Goodwin believes the League Cup "can be significant in terms of how the season pans out".

"I'd be lying if I said it was a priority competition for us because the league is everyone's bread and butter and the main objective for us is to stay in the league," he explained.

"But at the same time, if we win on Sunday, all of a sudden we find ourselves in the quarter-final of this competition and if the draw is kind to you, you may get a day out at Hampden [in the semi-finals] - which is what everyone wants."