DUNDEE UNITED midfielder Paul Paton is determined to enjoy the biggest game of his career to help banish his disappointment at missing out on Partick Thistle's title run-in.

The midfielder suffered a knee injury on March 27 last season that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign, forcing him to watch from the stands as his team-mates secured the First Division championship.

So he is eager to be in the thick of the action when United face Rangers at Ibrox in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Paton, whose move to Tannadice was agreed by the time of his injury, said: "That was a big blow in my career. I had a great time at Thistle and to get injured was a massive anti-climax because I didn't really feel part of things.

"So it makes me more determined to do well on Saturday.

"I think maybe people thought because I had a move I wasn't caring but I would have given anything to be on the park for those last games, especially the Morton game at home. It was a massive disappointment for me."

Playing against Rangers could help wipe away those blues, but Paton said: "It will only be a good occasion if we go and win. I will reflect after the game whether it's been successful or not.

"As a player you don't get too carried away. Although it's the biggest game I've played in, I'm 26 years old, I'm not a kid.

"I'll take it in my stride. That's why I came here, for big occasions like this.

"It would mean the world to get to a final. I always said I would look back at the end of the season and reflect, and getting to a final would be an achievement in itself."