| At Dundee United, there was praise for fit-again David McCracken’s performance in the draw with Motherwell, while over the road at Dundee the whole back four, plus goalkeeper Ludovic Roy, got a pat on the back.
Out for two games with a calf strain, McCracken slotted back in comfortably on his return and impressed his gaffer.
“David had not done much training, but I thought he was excellent and he has been all season. We looked solid again on Saturday and his partnership with Alan Archibald has looked good since right back in pre-season,” said Craig.
“I think they are benefiting from an extended run together and the fact they have natural full-backs on either side of them has been a help, too.”
At Dens Park, as the winning run continues, the form of his backline has not been lost on Alex.
The three points at Airdrie United made it three victories on the bounce and the Dark Blues have now won four of the last five in the First Division, conceding just two goals.
“Two in five games is not bad at all and when you consider one of them was a dodgy penalty that makes the stats look even better,” he said.
“On Saturday, we did not play at all well and seemed to struggle when they went down to 10 men at our goal, but the back four and Ludo (Roy) were excellent.
“Ludo made a couple of good saves and the defenders in front of him looked very solid as a unit again. I’ve said that once we got them fit and playing they would do well and, so far, they are proving me right.”
With Alex suspecting that, in terms of match fitness, centre-halves Bobby Mann and Greg Strong can still step up a notch or two, he is hoping there is even better to come.
“Bobby was out injured for a few weeks and Greg did not have much of a pre-season before he came to us, so they are still building fitness. They are coming together very well as a pairing and their experience is showing.”
Back at United, trialist Grant Smith was finalising his short-term contract today and should be signed up in time to turn out for the reserves at Hibs tomorrow afternoon.
If the 26-year-old comes through unscathed, he is set for the squad for Sunday’s trip to Hearts, who Craig watched win at Aberdeen yesterday.
“It was a good game up there and I thought the first half belonged to Aberdeen, but Hearts were excellent in the second half. They’ve a tough game away in Europe on Thursday night and we’ll see if there is any reaction to that on Sunday.”
Looking further ahead, tickets for the lunchtime Tannadice date with Celtic on Saturday, October 14, went on sale today.
Prices are £25 for adults and £13 for concessions in the top tiers of the stands, and £22 and £12 for the lower sections.
They are available from the club shop opposite Tannadice or by calling the ticket office on 01382 833166.
At the request of Celtic, some away tickets will also be on sale and United have agreed to keep a record of these purchases, meaning Hoops’ fans will have to provide proof of identity and home address. |
