McNamara relaxed about Everton boss’s scouting mission to Tannadice

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara says he will not be fazed by speculation linking his rising stars with moves away from the club although he admits he will be pleased when the January transfer window closes.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez was at Tannadice on Sunday to see United come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with in-form Hibernian thanks to substitute Brian Graham’s last-gasp equaliser.

United’s kids such as Ryan Gauld and John Souttar have been the centre of much attention already this season but McNamara is not fretting at the prospect of his men being linked with moves elsewhere in January.

He does concede, though, that he will be happier when the transfer window closes again.

McNamara said: “It’s part of the game these days. You can’t get away from it. There will be more of it in the next few weeks so I’ll be happy when the window shuts.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s important that we keep them all so they can continue to learn their trade here.”