James Keatings and Scott Fraser are set to be involved against Dumbarton today as the Dundee United squad gets back to something approaching full strength.
Ongoing injury problems saw the attacking pair left out of the squads for the last Championship outing, the defeat at St Mirren a fortnight ago and the Irn-Bru Cup win over Alloa on Saturday past.
They’ve been back in full training this week, however, and should be fit enough to at least take their place on the bench for the visit of the Sons.
“They are getting there. They’ve been working with the rest of the squad this week, which is good, and they’ve shown an improvement,” said boss Ray McKinnon.
He had hoped, with the exception of long-term absentee Tam Scobbie, his new-look squad would be fully match fit by the time of the first international break.
It’s going to take a couple of weeks longer to get there but Ray believes it will be worth the wait.
“I always thought the end of August would be when everyone was fit but it’s taken a wee bit longer for Keatings and others.
“Over the last couple of weeks the boys who’ve needed it have been able to put in a lot of hard work and that’s been a help.
“It’s been stop start because of the injuries but we are getting there now.
“Because of the way things have been I feel we are still stuttering a bit but once we get people back and the likes of Keatings and Scott McDonald can get a few games together and form partnerships, we’ll be right at it.”
Club captain Willo Flood was one of the regular starters who played against Alloa last Saturday and had another run-out when the U/20s faced St Johnstone in the Development League on Tuesday. Ray believes that will have benefited the Irishman.
“Willo played in the 20s because he needs games. He missed the whole season and he is playing catch-up.”
Scobbie, meanwhile, is on course to return from the groin problem he suffered against Dundee in the Betfred Cup around the end of this month or early next.
“He’s doing really well. He was jogging the other day, but the medical staff are going to take their time with him and make sure he’s OK.
“He should be back in another four weeks.”
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