Daly desperate for a Hampden recall; CIS CUP FINAL: 5 DAYS TO GO.

JON DALY insists he hasn't given up hope of winning a place on the Dundee United bench for Sunday's CIS Cup Final clash with Rangers.

Cruciate ligament damage and an ankle injury have meant the Irish striker has played only twice in the last 10 months.

But Daly wants a piece of the action - either tomorrow against Celtic or on Sunday - after watching his teammates climb the SPL and book a Hampden date.

He said: "My rehab is going well. I've had no reaction to the running I've been doing and I'm ready to step it up.

"Obviously I'd love to be involved in either game and if I do well in training over the next few days hopefully the manager will include me among his substitutes.

"If that doesn't happen then so be it - I'll just have to get on with it and I'll still wish the lads all the best.

"But as things stand I'm training and if the manager was to ask me I'd be more than happy to step forward.

"There has been a fantastic atmosphere at the club. The lads are buzzing because it's not every week you play Celtic away then Rangers in a final.

"My injuries over the last year have been pretty hard to deal with but it's just one of those things and you have to get on with it."