Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin is confident his side can trouble Premiership leaders Hearts

Jim Goodwin insists Dundee United will take a positive attitude to Tynecastle for their game against high-flying Hearts on Sunday, even if few outside Tannadice fancy their chances.

The Jambos are nine points clear of Celtic at the top of the William Hill Premiership having played a game more and are yet to lose in the league this season.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes has masterminded victories over both Celtic and Rangers this season and said recently: “There’s nothing for me to feel as if there’s going to be any downturn in our performances.”

United are in seventh place, but they only narrowly lost 3-2 at home to Hearts in August when Stuart Findlay scored a last-gasp winner and, having won twice at Tynecastle last season, Goodwin is optimistic.

“I think Derek is probably right to say that,” said Goodwin.

“I think when your team is winning, it’s a great habit to be in and I would imagine the training ground is a really positive place for Hearts at the moment and there’s a lot of confidence within the building.

“But I think the position that Hearts find themselves in, it probably brings with it its own pressures as well. The level of expectancy among the supporters lifts automatically when you’ve had the kind of start of Hearts have had.

“But I think any team in this league is capable of beating anybody else and we certainly don’t have a defeatist mindset going into the game on Sunday.

“People in the media and others outwith club may view Hearts as big favourites, but we certainly believe if we turn up and perform the way we know we’re capable of, then we can certainly give them a game.

“And we had a great track record there last season at Tynecastle and hopefully we can go and do the same this year.”