St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes revealed how being forced to go back to basics paid off for his side as they beat Dundee United 2-1 to reach their fourth major cup semi-final in four seasons.

Saints roared into the last four of the Co-operative Insurance Cup after two late own goals sparked a dull game to life at McDiarmid Park.

First Sean Dillon headed into his own net 18 minutes from time before Darren Dods deflected Liam Craig's free-kick past Steve Banks four minutes later. Prince Buaben's first goal of the season set up a grandstand finish but Saints deservedly held on.

McInnes was forced into six changes as a result of illness and injury, with star midfielder Jody Morris still being sick at 2pm on the afternoon of the game and Collin Samuel suffering a heavy knock in training on Monday.

A delighted Saints boss said: "You're concerned that you've got that many changes. Three were forced upon us. You're worried about that lack of cohesion that's in the team so we tried to keep it pretty basic just to start the game with.

"I thought our attitude and approach to it was spot on in the early part of the game."