Mixu Paatelainen says Gavin Gunning's Dundee United exit 'is private matter'

Mixu Paatelainen says Dundee United will cope with the loss of Gavin Gunning against Hibernian in Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final.

The Irishman left Tannadice earlier this week following a bizarre incident against Inverness Caledonian Thistle last weekend.

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Gunning picked up the ball and walked off the park after half-an-hour of the 2-0 home defeat but Paatelainen insists the reasons for his departure will 'remain private'.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ ahead of the Sky Live encounter, the Finn said: "It was very unfortunate. Things happened which I couldn't tolerate and I made a decision that Gavin would not play for us again this season.

"I explained we wanted to keep the reasons private. He is away now so these things happen and we go forward. We have a strong squad of players and I am looking forward to the semi-final."

Dundee United lost 3-0 to Hibernian in the League Cup quarter-finals last November but former Hibs and United striker Paatelainen says that game will have no bearing on the outcome of Saturday's game.

"That was very early doors and obviously we didn't deserve anything from that match," he added. "We're playing a lot better at the moment and hopefully Saturday is a good day for us.

"We do realise also that Hibs are a good, very energetic, mobile team with dangerous strikers and we need to be on our toes and make sure we don't give them any openings. But we have the players who can hurt them as well."

Hibs head to Hampden on the back of a poor run which has seen them win just two of their last 11 matches, a stat Paatelainen says should be ignored.

"Every match is a new adventure and you never know what can happen," he said. "You might have a poor run and then you change it around and you go on a run of victories.

"Obviously we are hoping that is not the case and that Hibs' inconsistencies remain and we take advantage of that but who are we to say anything because we have been pretty inconsistent as well

"Some days we've been brilliant, playing attractive and effective football and then the next match it doesn't go well at all. There's a few question marks up in the air for both teams, but it is a match I am looking forward to."