ACTIVE NATION SCOTTISH CUP FINAL: DUNDEE UNITED v ROSS COUNTY
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Saturday, 15 May Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage: Live: BBC One Scotland from 1255 BST, BBC Radio Scotland commentary available online (UK only), live text on BBC Sport website. Highlights: BBC One Scotland 2255 BST.

Adams knows Dundee United will not take his side lightly

Derek Adams told his players to prove the pundits wrong before they faced Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Now the Ross County manager will tell them they have to live up to their new-found respect when they face Dundee United in the final on Saturday.

"We were shown a wee bit of disrespect before the semi-final by ex-players and pundits," Adams explained.

"However, I'm sure by cup final day we will be respected - and we have to perform now."

Adams angrily hit out at those who had written off his side immediately after their surprise victory over Celtic at Hampden.

The First Division outfit from Dingwall comprehensively outplayed the Glasgow giants that day to earn a 2-0 win and there is no chance of their opponents underestimating them on Saturday.

"We came here that day and passed the ball very well, we were very comfortable on the ball," said Adams, reflecting on the semi-final success.

"I think Celtic knew after the game they were in a game."

United start as favourites and have already beaten the Staggies this season; a 2-0 win at Victoria Park in the Co-operative Insurance Cup in September.

But Celtic were County's third top-flight scalp in what has been a memorable term for the Highlanders.

Martin Scott (left) celebrates scoring County's second against Celtic

"We have the confidence," said former Motherwell and Aberdeen player Adams. "We've already beaten Hamilton, Hibs and Celtic this year, Premier League opposition.

"We have performed well in the Scottish Cup and scored a lot of goals.

"We did very well against the likes of Hibs as well and carried that on to the Celtic game.

"We passed the ball very well and created a number of opportunities, and we're looking to do the same on Saturday."

All but three of the County players who started against Celtic have played in the SPL, and two of them, goalkeeper Michael McGovern and winger Michael Gardyne, began their careers at Parkhead.

Adams believes such experience will prove invaluable as his men bid to cope with the occasion as well as a United side who comfortably clinched third place in the SPL.

And the 34-year-old thinks many of them will still have something to prove.

"There are people who have obviously written them off in their careers, from the point of view that they have had to move clubs," said Adams, who has a fully-fit squad.

"You always want to prove yourself, it doesn't matter what club you are at.

"You have to have the players who are comfortable. We've got experienced players in the team, players who have played at the highest level in Scotland."

Adams has already been linked with the vacant manager's position at St Mirren but he was keen to ignore the speculation.

"We've got a difficult game on Saturday and that's what we are focused on," said Adams, who led County to the Second Division title in his first season in charge.

"It's a big week for the football club and we're just looking forward to the cup final.

"The players have been magnificent this season, and over the last three years.

"They are the ones who have performed well and taken us to a cup final and done very well in the league."

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