Dundee United goalkeeper Dave Richards spoke to the broadcast media to preview our William Hill Premiership clash with Rangers on Matchday 14.

The veteran stopper discussed being given the nod to start between the sticks at Rigby Park, working hard behind the scenes and getting into a rhythm over the festive period.

ON OUR SEASON SO FAR 

It's been good. We started off really well over in Austria and Luxembourg - we were really good.

Obviously the last couple of weeks have been tough and we haven't had the results that we've wanted but we're all believing in ourselves and we're on the turn.

ON BELIEF REMAINING IN THE DRESSING ROOM

Definitely, especially at the moment. We're confident and all the boys feeling fresh, feeling ready to go. We keep believing. We've got a really good squad and a great set of lads as well - everyone's gelling and we're ready to kick on.

Everyone's got to be on the same hymn sheet. Every team is going to go through it at some point in the season. No one's going to be perfect. We just have to keep believing and push through the tough times - we've got a strong enough squad to come through.

ON RANGERS AND THE FESTIVE PERIOD

We know how big of a football club they are and how good they can be, but we feel good within ourselves. We've had a really good couple of days after Saturday in training and we're going to be raring to go tomorrow night.

We don't like the stop-start, stop-start. Once you get in the rhythm and a routine of it every couple of days, then everyone’s chomping at the bit to attack this busy period.

ON DUSTING OFF THE GLOVES FOR SATURDAY’S BATTLE WITH KILMARNOCK

I absolutely loved it. I've been working hard the last couple of weeks, months and beyond. I've always had that ingrained in me since I was young. It's the nature of the goalie - one of you can play and when it's not your turn, you've got to be sharp and ready just in case anything happens. 

I've always had the mentality of preparing as if I am playing. I'm full of confidence, feeling really good and the manager's been brilliant with me. I’m feeling really good at the moment.

ON COMPETITION FOR PLACES WITHIN THE GOALKEEPING UNION

If you have a little dip in form, the other goalie is banging on the door, ready to go in - and I’m ready to go. Once you get in, you've got to be strong, reliable, confident, calm and bring a good presence to keep leading and stay in the team.

Wherever I've gone we've always had a good, strong goalie group and we push each other. I'm there to push whoever's playing and vice versa. At St Johnstone, Dimitar Mitov was brilliant and kept raising his standards. It was the same with Jack Walton last year. Now is my time to kick on and shine.

You can play every day if you want, I'm there ready to go.

ON BECOMING FIRST CHOICE 

Of course, that is 100% what I want. I'm not just here to make up the numbers, I'm here to do it and kick on myself.

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