| “Of course, it all depends what happens with Noel,” he said in the knowledge of Reading coming back with an increased offer having had a £500,000 bid rejected.
“If he goes today, it may open up our budget a bit for further new signings.
“But these things are never certain until they are done and dusted, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
The manager also expressed pleasure with the showing of new signing Francesco Sandaza at Dunfermline last night, despite the two-goal Spaniard being on the park for only 35 minutes in the 3-2 victory (see Page 27).
“We brought Francesco on at half-time and I was really pleased with his two goals,” Craig enthused.
“But he is miles behind in terms of fitness, so I took him off again with 10 minutes to go.
“I just don’t want him doing too much at the moment, and I certainly don’t want him picking up any injuries. So we’ll take it very slowly with him.”
The Tannadice gaffer, while pleased with pre-season friendly wins, continued, “The key at the moment is to try to focus on fitness and match fitness and to disregard results to a degree.
“They are not really important at this juncture.”
One setback from last night was Lee Wilkie limping off after 70 minutes.
“We’re a little bit concerned with Lee,” Craig revealed. “He’s got a tight hamstring and we obviously can’t push things with him. We’ll see how it reacts over the next few days.”
The United XI. heading for Gayfield tonight for a friendly against Arbroath (KO 7.45) will contain “fringe players mainly”, according to the manager.
“Garry Kenneth will be the most senior player in the squad, with others such as Greg Cameron, David Goodwillie, Johnny Russell and Kevin Smith getting a run.
“Overall, it will be mainly fringe players.”
Prices at Gayfield — adult £10, concession £5, family £12. |
