Shala, playing alongside Lithuanian trialist Irmantas Zelmikas, held firm as United snatched a late draw in Belfast and admitted he was loving life at the back.

“I think it’s Garry Kenneth, Darren Dods, me and Sean Dillon that can play at centre-half now, so, if the manager signs another one, it’ll be good for competition,” he said.

“But, if not, I think a few more games and I’ll definitely be ready to play there in the SPL. I really enjoy playing there and having the pitch out in front of me. It’s a different way to look at the game — especially when you’re used to playing as a striker. The movements are very different.

“I know all the movements a striker would make, though, which is good for me. I can tell what they’re about to do.”

Andis’ defensive partner on Saturday, Zelmikas, was in impressive form, and boss Peter Houston will have another chance to see him in action against Raith Rovers tomorrow.

If a move should fail to materialise, however, Shala will be more than happy to give up scoring goals in favour of stopping them.

“I’ll do anything to help the team,” he said. “As a striker or a defender, I just want to play.

“I miss playing up front sometimes, like in training when we’re doing shooting practice, the strikers get to cross and finish while I have to pass the ball on from the midfield to the wide players.

“I used to be trying to get on the end of those crosses — that’s what I miss sometimes.

“Scoring goals is a very good thing.

“The best feeling in the world, though, is I’m finding there is big satisfaction in stopping them, too, of course.”

Saturday’s 1-1 draw provoked an angry response from the manager, who blasted his players’ “sloppiness”.

Those in the dressing-room at half-time were left in no doubt as to Houstie’s feelings, but, despite the poor display, Andis feels the season still looks like being a bright one for United.

“Glentoran had a really good team,” he said.

“They were very sharp. I think we played well enough in parts. They scored a goal, but it was a bit unlucky for us.

“I hear the manager was angry at half-time, but I wasn’t in the dressing-room, so I escaped that.

“I think we dominated the second half — apart from the goal — and I know we can play even better.”

However, a hitch over the length of the contract he was offered saw him journey back north and take his place when the Tangerines’ official team photo call for the new season took place this morning.

“Kevin, his agent and even the county manager Craig Short were all under the impression they were talking about a two-year deal, but when he went to sign his contract it was only for a year,” explained United gaffer Peter Houston.

“He wants two years, so he travelled back up although the deal is not dead and, hopefully, he can get something sorted out.”

United are happy to leave the matter to Smith's representatives and the County people to sort out.

Limited first-team opportunities saw them agree to let him speak to other clubs, but, if Smith is at Tannadice for the new season, that will not be a problem.

Meanwhile, a mix of first team and reserves will see action tomorrow and on Wednesday when Raith Rovers and Livingston are visited.

Not involved in those games will be Middlesbrough target Craig Conway, who picked up a knock at Glentoran, although the problem is not serious and the winger will be in contention for a place at Hull this weekend.

Regarding his long-tem future, there has been no further contact from Middlesbrough, though their interest remains strong.

Also out of action over the next two nights will be skipper Jon Daly and midfielder Danny Swanson.

Neither was fit for the trip to Belfast and they will be given a few more days to recover from their injury problems.

It now looks possible that McCann, who played under Gordon Chisholm at Queens, could start the season as a Dundee player.

Chis said, “I had Ryan at Queens and he was looking for training facilities, so I offered the boy the chance to come in with us.

“We’re more or less OK for that midfield slot and at right-back, where he can also play, but we’ll have a look at him.

“In the meantime, he’ll be working on his fitness, so he’s welcome to come in and join the first-team squad.”

Meanwhile, Chis revealed he still wants three or four new faces by the time the all-important league season kicks-off on August 7 and tomorrow’s friendly with Forfar at Station Park will see trialist defenders Gordon Gilbert and Johnny Flynn given their chance to impress.

“The two centre-backs will get a game, so we’ll have a look at them, and it’s a chance for some of the boys who haven’t been playing to get 90 minutes under their belts,” he said.

“It’s come at a good time because there’s been a few boys on the bench for the most part, so I’ll mix and match it a wee bit and give them all a run.

He added, “I’m working at getting new players in all the time. I’m trying to get them, but I’ve got to get the right ones.

“I’ve still got agents phoning all the time with different names. I’d like to bring in another three, possibly four, depending on the finance.

“I’m quite happy with how Saturday went.

“You can see there’s a good mix here, but I just feel we need strengthened.”