Today's News | Sport | Features | Email Contacts | Letters | The Tele | D C Thomson | Annuals | Subscriptions | Old Dundee

Headlines
Sport Stories
Get the Tele from...

General Sport - 26 October 2004
Football: Blether with Brown > Touchline
 
STANDARD BEARERS
Delighted as he was at picking up an unexpected point at Rangers on Sunday, Dundee United boss Ian McCall has demanded his side make that performance a “benchmark” for future games (writes Graeme Finnan).
A late Barry Robson goal at Ibrox earned the Tangerines a point which, given both sides’ previous form going into the game, few would have predicted.

However, after watching a re-run of the game on video, the manager is looking for more of the same — starting with Hearts at Tannadice tomorrow night.

“We sat down and watched the game at Ibrox on video yesterday and it was a real boost in terms of performance and fighting spirit,” said Ian today.

“What the players have done now, though, is set themselves a benchmark and it’s important they keep that standard up.”

The United boss admits that will be a tough task against Craig Levein’s men, who also received a Sunday boost with their 2-1 derby win over Hibs.

“Outside of the Old Firm, Hearts have consistently proved they are the top side and Wednesday’s game will be tough,” added Ian.

“Their biggest problem this season could be the fact that they are still competing on two fronts — at home and in Europe.”

Meanwhile, the Tangerines are boosted by the fact they picked up no fresh injuries from Sunday’s game at Ibrox. The manager has still to decide whether or not to continue with Billy Dodds in midfield or offer Karim Kerkar his first home start.

United’s ticket allocation for the derby at Dens on Saturday week go on sale to season ticket holders on Thursday and Friday at the club shop. They go on general release thereafter.

DENS BOSS HAS OPTIONS
Dundee have a few injury problems for tomorrow night’s trip to Pittodrie to face Inverness Caley Thistle (writes Graeme Finnan).
Brazilian striker Alex Cerdeira is out because of a hamstring strain, while midfielder Neil Barrett is struggling with a groin injury.

However, with Jonay Hernandez, Mark Fotheringham, Glenn Larsen and Fabian Caballero all vying to get back in the team, the manager has options available.

“We’ve got a stronger squad now, which is important because we have a lot of games coming up,” said Jim today.

“That’s not to say I’ve been unhappy with the guys who have been playing.

“But what we must do is tighten up and show a bit more in front of goal. If we can do that, then we won’t be too far away.”

Fans’ favourite Caballero may, again, have to settle for a place on the bench due to his lack of match fitness, but it’s hoped Barrett will be available for selection against the Highlanders.

“Neil has just been feeling a bit of tightness in his groin. Hopefully, it will settle down in time.”

Chance to impress
St Johnstone, at home to Raith tonight in the Reserve League Cup, are likely to include David Hannah and Stephen McConalogue in their line-up. Both appeared as substitutes in Saturday’s home draw against Airdrie United.
But injury looks like ruling out Ian Maxwell, Ryan Stevenson and Ryan McCann.

Saints’ team boss John Connolly is trying to arrange a game so he can have another look at the three trialists still showing their paces with the club. The trialists are two Australians and Canadian U/20 skipper Gordon Chin.

email sports desk