Houston - We will attack

Peter Houston: Still believes Dundee United can progress in the Europa League

Peter Houston has admitted that Dundee United face a tough challenge to advance in the Europa League after drawing 2-2 with Dinamo Moscow, but has vowed to be positive in the second leg in Russia.

Keith Watson looked to have earned United the advantage in the third qualifying round after he bundled home from close range following a 75th-minute corner but Alexander Kokorin silenced Tannadice with a 25-yard strike that looped home off a United defender and secured a 2-2 draw.

United had taken the lead against the run of play in the 37th minute when Willo Flood drove home from 16 yards but they created a series of chances before Igor Semshov headed the Russians level five minutes after the break.

United debutant Radoslaw Cierzniak produced a string of excellent saves but the home side kept coming back and Gary Mackay-Steven caused numerous problems on the left wing in the second period.

Houston said: "First and foremost I have to say Dinamo Moscow are a quality team. For the first 20 minutes or so we froze a bit and they knocked the ball about and I thought 'we are playing a right good side'.

"After that, they are a typical young side, they threw their inhibitions away and had a go.

"I always say we're at our best when we have a go and try and score goals.

Why sit back?

"We got in front and it is a cruel way to lose but at times we had our goalkeeper, who I thought had an exceptional game, to thank for keeping us in the game at crucial periods.

"However we created chances too.

"I know it's 2-2 and they are favourites, they should be favourites even before the start, but a 1-0 victory gets us through and we will attack.

"We won't go out and try and hold on manfully. We'll be going out to try and win the match.

"We are at our best going forward and I think there are things in their make-up that they could be vulnerable at the back

"Why sit back? We will be going for it.

"They will be favourites and they are a good side but you can never write off this bunch of guys."