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General Sport - 06 May 2009
Football: Blether with Brown > Touchline
 
United eye Slovakian
Dundee United are keen on Slovakian keeper Dusan Pernis (writes Graeme Finnan).
With Lukasz Zaluska Celtic-bound in the summer and back-up Michael McGovern also moving on, the No. 1 spot at Tannadice will have to be filled over the close season and boss Craig Levein has confirmed Pernis is among a number of keepers on his radar.

However, the 24-year-old shot-stopper, who plays for Slovakian top-flight outfit MSK Zilina, is under contract to his present club until the end of the year and it’s believed they are reluctant to let him go.

That will almost certainly see the United boss turn his sights elsewhere.

“Dusan is one of several keepers we are looking at, but the big problem with him is that he is contracted with his club until January,” said Craig.

“The lad is a good goalie, but, given we want someone in by the start of pre-season, I would say he probably looks the least likely option at the moment.”

Meanwhile, the manager revealed it was McGovern’s desire to play first-team football which has led to the former Celtic man being allowed to move on in the summer.

“I’ve not been able to get a chance to play Michael and, although I’d keep him because I think he is a good goalkeeper, he feels it is time he was playing regularly.”

The United support has received a pat on the back from their Hibs counterparts following Saturday’s win at Easter Road.

Numerous emails have arrived at Tannadice praising the Tangerine faithful for their sporting behaviour and generous applause to the Hibs Under-19 side, who paraded trophies at the interval.

Many of the emails also wished United well in their bid to finish third in the table, although, given Hearts currently occupy that spot, maybe those sentiments weren’t entirely surprising.

Griffiths offer still on table
Dundee are still waiting to hear if their bid for Livingston striker Leigh Griffiths has been accepted (writes Graeme Finnan).
Although the Dark Blues had a verbal offer for the player rejected, they then submitted a written offer — believed to be £100,000 — which remains on the table.

However, irrespective of the Griffiths bid, boss Jocky Scott continues to work behind the scenes to get the men he wants.

“We are still waiting to hear from Livingston regarding Leigh Griffiths, but we’re on the case with other players who we want to speak to.

“Obviously, things will become a bit more active when the season finishes and players know where they are with regards to contracts.”

One piece of business the manager did conclude yesterday was the signing of defender Jim Lauchlan on a new one-year deal, and youngsters Bryan Deasley and Craig Forsyth on new two-year contracts.

Signed by previous boss Alex Rae at the start of the season, Lauchlan’s initial spell at Dens was hampered by injury. However, he won over many of the fans with several solid performances during the latter half of the campaign and the manager feels the chirpy 32-year-old can play a pivitol role in next season’s promotion push.

“Jim’s shown himself to be a winner. He’s got a great attitude and is prepared to put his body in where it hurts,” said Jocky.

“He also has a great deal of experience and is a good talker and organiser on the park — something we don’t have enough of at the moment.”

Meanwhile, Dundee have slashed gate prices for Saturday’s final home game of the season against Partick Thistle. Adults will gain entry for £10 while under-16s will be allowed in free of charge. The offer applies to fans of both clubs.

The Dark Blues will hold an Open Day at Dens on Sunday (9 am-6 pm). Fans will have an opportunity to get autographs and have their picture taken with the manager, several players and club mascot Dee Wok, while the Dundee youth teams (U/13 and U/14) will face their Rangers counterparts during the course of the day.

There will also be a number of stalls and activities going ahead in the main stand.

Saints won’t risk ban
With Liam Craig nearing the penalty-points tally that will make him due for suspension, along with Kevin Rutkiewicz he will miss St Johnstone’s away game against Airdrie United on Saturday (writes James Masson).
Saints announced yesterday, with Rutkiewicz near to a ban, he won’t face the Diamonds, now they’ve announced Craig won’t play either.

Meanwhile, the feelgood factor is still encompassing Saints following their elevation to the SPL. The club has received many calls congratulating them on their success.

Saints have already started planning for next term and hope to announce their season ticket prices around two weeks from now.

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