Teenager Jamie Robson has earned a pat on the back from his gaffer for the way he’s handled being drafted into the Dundee United line up.
The 18-year-old has played the last five games since first choice Paul Dixon suffered a knee injury that required surgery.
And as well as impressing, boss Ray McKinnon feels he’s been improving with every performance.
That was shown against Ayr United on Saturday and he added to solid defensive work by grabbing his first United goal.
“He’s been doing great and coming in from the back post he got a good goal on Saturday,” said Ray.
I was delighted for him to get his goal and that’s a real bonus for him.
“He’s a good young player and he’s got talent. He’s settled into the team and is now starting to get forward.
“Especially at home that’s what you want your full-backs to do. It’s important Jamie and Tosher (Lewis Toshney) are doing that, it’s a big help to the team.”
As well as Robson’s done, the Tangerines expect his place to be under threat in the next few weeks.
Dixon is making progress after his surgery and should be back in contention for a return by the middle of next month.
Meanwhile, United could be up against a familiar face when they head for Dunfermline in a couple of weeks or so.
Striker Farid El Alagui has started a trial with the Pars (see p37) after failing to win a contract during a spell trying out with Inverness Caley Thistle.
Next up at Tannadice are league leaders Raith Rovers, who’ve been struck by a goalkeeping crisis.
First choice Kevin Cuthbert has been out with a leg injury and although he made the bench for Saturday’s win over Dunfermline, when stand-in goalie Aaron Lennox pulled a hamstring, he was not able to replace him.
Lennox is definitely out of Saturday’s Tannadice trip and Raith are hoping another week’s recovery time will see Cuthbert ready to resume duties.
United have confirmed their Irn Bru clash with Peterhead with take place on Saturday week with a 3pm kick-off.
With a smaller first-team squad this term they have still to decide whether to use their strongest available line up for the third-round tie against last season’s beaten finalists from the Blue Toon.
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