Despite the fact his team are on a four-game winning run, Dundee United boss Craig Levein feels this weekend’s break, in the long run, will prove beneficial to his side (writes Graeme Finnan).
Consecutive wins against Aberdeen, Airdrie (in the Co-Op Cup), Hearts and Inverness Caley have banished the Tangerines’ early-season stutters and propelled them up to third in the SPL table.
And, although Saturday’s international card sees domestic fixtures take a back seat, Craig is hopeful momentum won’t be affected when his team try to make it five in a row against Rangers at Ibrox the following week.
He said, “It’s very difficult to say if the break may or may not affect the team.
“But we do have quite a few foreign players at the club and it gives them a chance to go home and see their families.
“I’m not too sure when the next break will be, but I think the next international game is in March and we won’t be having too many days off between now and then, so this is a good opportunity for the lads to get home.”
Meanwhile, Garry Kenneth, is hoping to get to the root of a nagging knee problem.
“Garry had a scan on his knee yesterday and we are expecting to get the results by the end of today or tomorrow,” added the manager.
United’s game against Rangers at Tannadice on Saturday, December 13, will kick-off at 12.30 and will be screened live by Setanta.
D4L welcome Bennett role
Dee 4 Life have welcomed news that John Bennett will still have a role to play at Dens Park (writes Graeme Finnan)
In a statement, the Dundee fans’ group are encouraged by the fact Bennett, who vetoed plans to buy the club, will still be involved, albeit at a lesser level.
Dee 4 Life chairman George Knight said, “I’d like to welcome John Bennett to Dundee FC and wish him all the best. Mr Bennett comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge from both the football and business sectors making him a valuable asset to the club.
“The Trust committee were involved in extensive dialogue regarding John Bennett’s involvement with the club and are fully supportive of his wishes to be involved in an informal capacity. After detailed consultation, we do not believe there are any negative financial implications in the short term as the club goes about its business as usual.
“Our intention is to arrange an open question-and-answer session for all supporters in the near future, so that the board can answer directly any questions the fans may have.”
Meanwhile, on the playing front, boss Alex Rae is confident Eric Paton and David Cowan will be fit to face Ross County at Dens on Saturday week. The defensive pair played in the 0-0 draw at Partick despite not being 100% fit.
Alex said, “Eric had a problem with his shoulder, while David was suffering from a bit of sciatica. Hopefully, they’ll be OK for the Ross County game.”
Long-term absentee Darren Young has started some light jogging, but remains some way off a return to action.
Sheer class
St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes is delighted by Paul Sheerin — on and off the park (writes James Masson).
The midfielder has starred at left-back and left midfield this season, and he’s doing a great job with Saints U/17s, who have lost only once this term and top their league.
“Paul’s priority is as a player, but he also coaches our U/17s along with Tommy Campbell,” said Derek. “He’s doing well in both roles. As regards the coaching, he has a good way with the young lads and he was keen to get involved.”
Derek is also pleased with the form shown by midfiedler Chris Millar. The summer signing from Morton has turned in some super displays.
“Chris is 25 and his best years are ahead of him. He’ll be a good player for St Johnstone for a few years to come.”
Saints’ plans to hold a closed-door match yesterday were scuppered by the weather. The trialist they wished to play in the game trained with them today.
Luggy fined
Former Dundee United boss Paul Sturrock has been fined £250 and warned as to his future conduct by an English Football Association disciplinary panel, which considered a complaint about comments made by the Argyle boss following the Pilgrims’ pre-season friendly against Dundee United at Home Park in August.
Luggy addressed the United fans at the end of the game and among his comments he referred to Dundee as “Scumdee”.
Sturrock hastily issued an apology, which was accepted by the Dark Blues, claiming the remarks had been made tongue-in-cheek.
