Dundee United striker Jon Daly believes it will be difficult to rough up Rangers on Sunday because Walter Smith's players will be smarting from the outcome of their last Tannadice visit.

United were the last side to beat Rangers on domestic business when they recorded a 2-1 victory back in October.

Daly, who watched from the stand because of a long-term knee injury, was impressed with the way his team-mates stood up to the Glasgow side.

The former Hartlepool frontman is back in contention following a long lay-off and is vying with Mark de Vries for a place in attack.

The Irishman believes Rangers, who have taken 52 points from 54 since losing to the Tangerines, were rattled by facing a pumped-up United last year.

But since the recent CIS Cup Final, which Rangers eventually won on penalties against United after being under the cosh for long spells, the element of surprise has been lost.

He said: "When we beat them here I was watching from the stand and thinking about how much in their faces we were that day.

"I don't think they were expecting that, but they'll be coming here, especially after the cup final, expecting a tough game now.

"They know what to expect more this time so it's going to be a tough one for both clubs. They're a big, physical side but that's not all.

"They can get the ball down and play to create chances for themselves. You just have to try to give them as much respect as possible without being over- cautious."