Stewart Murdoch will still shine, says Willo Flood

Willo Flood has backed midfield partner Stewart Murdoch to still be a big player for Dundee United.

After an impressive start to his Tangerines career, Murdoch has been sidelined until next year by a cruciate ligament tear.

But Flood believes the 26-year-old will come back even stronger.

And he knows that’s a distinct possibility — because he did it himself.

“It’s tough for Murdo because he’s been doing well for us since he came.

“And he’d just come back from an injury so to get another one in his first game back was unlucky.

“But getting an injury like that is one of the worst things that can happen to you when you are new at a club.

“It happened to me when I went to Middlesbrough and it was the exact same injury.

“It was about the same time as well. I’d only played eight games when I did my knee.

“It’s disappointing but you come back from it and he will.

“He’s signed on here for a few years so he will come back and show what he can do.

“He was very good before he got injured and is going to be a big player for Dundee United.”

Murdoch, Lewis Toshney and the suspended Mark Durnan apart, United are set to be at full strength when Dumbarton visit Tannadice on Saturday.

A couple of players picked up knocks in training early in the week but are not causing concern.

United will wear their new pink change kit on Saturday and their official website will have a pink theme as the club shows it’s support for the charity Breast Cancer Now.

Fans everywhere are being urged to make a donation this weekend to boost the charity’s research.

“We’re delighted to support Breast Cancer Now and, with the help of our fans, we want to spread awareness and raise much-needed funds for research,” said boss Ray McKinnon.

“Breast Cancer is all too common — everyone knows someone who has experienced this awful disease — so we want to play a part in helping to ensure that by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live.”