| Midfielder David Robertson (20) and defender Keith Watson (17) both signed new deals that will keep them at the club until 2009.
Robertson, a product of the United youth development programme, first signed for the club in 2003 and made his first-team debut in January last year. He has since muscled his way into the first-team and a growing reputation has seen him recognised at Scotland U/21 level.
Watson only joined the club last summer, but has made rapid progress through the U/19 and reserve sides, making his first-team starting debut in the Scottish Cup tie against St Mirren last month.
And, while the manager has made no secret of recently trying to bring a few more seasoned pros to the club, the new deals today shows he also has one eye on the future and also giving home-grown talent a chance.
“I felt it was necessary to bring in a number of experienced players during the transfer window to strengthen the squad and increase the number of options available to me, both for this season and for the immediate future,” said Craig.
“However, it’s been equally important to consider the longer-term requirements of the club, and the recent contract extension for Barry Robson gave notice of our intent in this regard.
“The new contracts for these two young lads are just as significant in their own way, as I feel both will have a very important part to play in the future of this club.
“David Robertson has proved he can play at the top level in the SPL and has the awareness, anticipation and ability to provide a real goal threat from midfield. He still has a lot to learn, but his contribution can be invaluable at times.
“Keith Watson has only recently turned 17 and is already looking like he can be a regular first-team squad player before too long. He is a natural athlete and, while he can play in various positions, I see him developing primarily as a central defender.
“I am delighted to secure their services until 2009 and even more pleased that both players have come through the youth development programme.
“Dundee United has an excellent youth programme and I hope this acts as a further incentive to some of the other highly-rated youth players currently on our books.”
Among several players looking to earn a longer stay at Tannadice is Lee Wilkie.
The former Dundee man has battled back from injury and continues to grow in stature and confidence with each passing game. However, at this stage, Craig was reluctant to talk about a new deal for the towering centre-half.
“We have quite a few players who are out of contract in the summer, but Lee’s in more of a one-off situation, given the injury difficulties he’s had in the past.”
On the playing front, the United boss moved quickly to allay fears Steven Robb had suffered another injury setback.
Only yesterday, the Tannadice gaffer was stressing how Robb would not be pushed too hard as he battles back from a series of groin and pelvic injuries.
However, starting for the reserves at Inverness yesterday, the left-sided wing-back lasted only half-an-hour and had to be replaced by Gregg Burnett.
But, this morning, Craig wasn’t too concerned over Robb’s problem.
He said, “We’d hoped to play Steven for an hour yesterday, but he was complaining of tightness in his calf muscles, so we thought it better to take him off.
“I think it’s a case where his body is just needing to harden up to the games and the reason he was substituted was purely as a precaution. We’ll see how he is today, but I’m not overly worried.”
Meanwhile, defender Lee Mair is in line for a recall to top-team action after coming through the second string win over Caley unscathed.
“Lee is fine and, although I don’t like putting too much emphasis on reserve games, everyone else did OK,” added Craig. |
