Willo Flood has set his sights on upsetting the Old Firm after extending his loan period at Dundee United for another season.The 23-year-old Irishman returned to Tannadice for the first day of pre-season training on Friday after agreement had been reached with his club Cardiff City earlier in the week.

And the midfielder is looking forward to pitting his wits against the Glasgow giants.

He said: "It's usually the Old Firm who are chasing each other and the rest are in for the UEFA Cup spot and the cups.

"But I think we are good enough to compete against them.

"I like playing against the Old Firm.

"You don't get to play against teams like that in the (Coca-Cola) Championship.

"We showed against the two big boys that we are good enough to play them on their own ground.

"We even showed in the last game of the season when Celtic came here that we should have won."

Flood is also looking forward to making amends for the frustrations of last season.

"Missing out on a European place and losing to Rangers in the CIS Insurance Cup final is unfinished business," he said.

"I think there is a cup to be won at this club sooner or later and I'm hoping it will be this season.

"The cup final was the biggest disappointment.

"We played so well but we were so close, yet so far.

"I think we were good enough to finish third last season but we didn't carry it through.

"If we get a bit more consistency, if we get into the top six after the split next season, we have to go and win some games."

United manager Craig Levein was "thrilled" at capturing Flood for another season and waxed lyrical about the diminutive midfielder's attributes.

He said: "People underestimate him because of his size but he has the heart of a lion and I think that's why the supporters love him.

"He competes with guys twice the size of him and there is nobody out there with the same guts and determination.

"I'm convinced that this season will see more improvement.

"He has settled in well with the rest of the players and he is comfortable so I couldn't be any happier.

"So it's a hugely important signing for us."

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