Csaba Laszlo has praised the contribution of kid Declan Glass in his top-team appearances so far this term.
However, he’s warned his other players they can’t rely on the 18-year-old to provide an attacking impact.
Although the Tangerines have struggled in the Betfred Cup group stages after two draws – two penalty shootout defeats and a loss to Ross County – Glass has caught the eye.
The 18-year-old was star man when he started the opener against Arbroath, then impressed as a sub in the subsequent clashes with County and Alloa.
At such a tender age, however, his manager is not going to put too much pressure on him to produce.
“Declan is a good football player but he has just turned 18 and he needs time,” said Csaba.
“For this reason you cannot push him but he has shown he will be a good football player for Dundee United.
“He is a promising player and I’ve tried to build him up but we don’t have to wait for Declan to win the game for us. You have enough experience in the pitch and other players must do their part.”
Csaba, meanwhile, remains hopeful striker Craig Curran will be fit to make his debut in the final group game at Elgin City on Saturday.
The summer signing from Ross County had been expected to miss the Arbroath and County ties because of a dead leg suffered in the closed-door friendly against Cowdenbeath a fortnight ago.
However, he was not quite ready by the time the Alloa game came round but United are hopeful another week’s training will see him up to speed.
Winger Billy King is another who has not featured so far – he has a thigh problem – and even if he makes the squad for the weekend, he will not be ready for 90 minutes.
Full-back Callum Booth missed out on Saturday with a slight strain but was expected to be back training normally by the middle of the week at the latest.
It’s understood Hamilton Accies remain interested in taking attacker James Keatings back to New Douglas Park.
Saturday saw Keatings make his first start since January when he was sidelined by a hip condition that required surgery.
And having got him fit it’s likely the Tangerines would prefer to hang on to the 26-year-old.
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