| Since his arrival at Tannadice last summer, the former Dundee man has been dogged by a string of hamstring tears that stemmed from a pelvic problem, but he was fit enough to impress as a sub in Saturday’s win at St Mirren.
He was seeing action again today as the reserves travelled north to Inverness, but, while medical staff are happy they have now got to the root of his troubles, a cautious line will continue with his fitness.
And that means, however good he is looking, the 24-year-old will not be pushed too hard too fast.
“I am being cautious about Steven because one more injury could finish his season. I’ve looked at his history and the muscle injuries have tended to come when he has been tired,” said boss Craig Levein.
“Since the exact nature of his problem was diagnosed, he has been following a fitness programme and been doing core work. That’s helping, but I am reluctant to think about starting him in the first team until he has had a few 90 minutes in the reserves.
“Today, he was getting an hour at Inverness and he’ll be on the bench again on Sunday and we will take things gradually.”
Also on duty in the Highlands this afternoon and returning to action much quicker than originally expected, was defender Lee Mair.
It’s just a couple of weeks since he picked up a knee ligament injury in training that was feared would rule him out for up to six weeks. His recovery, though, has been speedy and there were no worries over his involvement this afternoon.
“He’s been training hard and the knee is not a problem. If his fitness has been OK, he will be back in contention at the weekend,” confirmed Craig.
Wide man Craig Conway picked up a foot knock in training yesterday and, today, Christian Kalvenes was still feeling the shin knock he picked up in Paisley, but both should be OK in plenty of time to be involved against Hibs.
Fans are reminded that, with the game on Sunday being shown on Setanta, kick-off will be at 2 pm.
Tomorrow, United will complete the signing of highly-rated youngsters David Robertson and Keith Watson on new, extended deals.
Meanwhile, the Tangerines have blamed the poor state of the Tannadice pitch this season on Daddy Long Legs.
Mild temperatures led to an influx of the insects late last year and it transpires they have been laying their eggs on the playing surface.
Once the eggs hatched, larvae ate the roots of the turf, hence the bare patches that have been appearing.
The pitch has been problematic in recent seasons and is expected to be the subject of extensive remedial work over the summer. |
