| Swanson saw red during the first half of the 2-2 draw and will now be banned from Sunday’s first home league fixture at Tannadice against champions Celtic.
And, while the United gaffer has options available, he’s let Swanson know in no uncertain terms he must curb the volatile nature of his game which has seen him fall foul of officials.
“We’ve got plenty of cover for him, so, in that respect, it’s not that big a blow, but it was a stupid challenge by Danny and one he could have hurt himself going into,” said Craig.
“He missed games last season and he’s going to be out on Sunday. It’s something he has in his game when the red mist just seems to descend and it was an act of sheer stupidity.”
The manager is now mulling over the possibility of fining the player.
Meanwhile, although still bitterly disappointed by Monday’s display at Hamilton, Craig isn’t contemplating wholesale changes for the visit of the Hoops.
“We defended abysmally, but the lads who played at Hamilton did well for us during the majority of last season, so it’s something we’ll sort out on the training ground.”
One man who was given pass marks at New Douglas Park was Francisco Sandaza, who impressed when coming on for the last quarter of the game.
However, the Spanish striker’s fitness still isn’t quite up to scratch and he may have to be content with a place on the bench at the weekend.
“Francisco missed four days training before the Hamilton game and his muscles are feeling sore again today.
“He’s not quite up to speed fitness wise as the rest of the lads and we may have to take it easy with him.
“My problem is that I’m trying to win football matches and he did well the other night.”
One man who could feature against Gordon Strachan’s side is Craig Conway.
“Craig played 90 minutes for the reserves yesterday and that’s a big plus,” said the manager.
“Ever since he came here, he’s had great difficulty getting himself 100 per cent fit, but he’s definitely staking a claim for the weekend.”
The manager’s biggest problem this morning was trying to negotiate Fife’s flooded roads to get to United’s St Andrews training base.
l United’s Co-operative Insurance Cup tie at Cowdenbeath is on Tuesday, August 26 (7.45). |
