Dundee United skipper Ryan Edwards is adamant being afforded the opportunity to reflect and regroup will allow Ross Graham to emerge stronger from his spell on the sidelines.
Graham, 21, turned in a superb performance in Wednesday evening’s 4-0 demolition of Kilmarnock.
He was imperious in the air, tough in the tackle and teed up the opening goal for Kieran Freeman; one of several fine raking balls.
Graham had not started a game for United since a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to St Johnstone on October 1.
The Scotland under-21 starlet also endured a testing start to the campaign — like many of his teammates — as the Tangerines suffered several painful defeats during Jack Ross’ reign.
However, Edwards believes Graham will benefit from the sharp learning curve, having enjoyed relatively unbroken success following his return from an ill-fated loan stint at Dunfermline last term.
Ross Graham ➡️ Kieran Freeman
A goal made in #OurAcademy 🦁@KieranFreeeman | #DUFC pic.twitter.com/GF2DNchx0O
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) November 10, 2022
“Ross has been chomping at the bit to get back in the team,” Edwards told Courier Sport. “He’s had to bide his time because Scotty (McMann) was in that position and did well.
“Wednesday night was maybe more suited to Ross, given Kilmarnock’s height and the aerial challenge. That’s not a criticism of Scotty, who has done a very good job at left centre-back.
“And Ross is still only 21 years old. When you are a young player, you are learning non-stop, from every situation.
“The way you learn is by playing games, making the odd mistake, then coming out (of the team) and looking at things from a different angle.
“Then you need to be ready for your next opportunity.
We can step up
United were in complete control for the full 90 minutes against Killie, showcasing a calmness and composure belying the high stakes context of the clash.
If the Terrors had lost, they would have slipped six points adrift at the bottom of the Premiership.
“There was a lot of pressure after the result at Easter Road the previous night (Ross County beating Hibs),” Edwards added.
“We knew the teams around us had tough games — Motherwell playing Celtic — so you are looking for favours.
“But we can only control what we do and the result on Wednesday, when the pressure was on, showed we can step up and deal with it.”
United conclude their pre-World Cup campaign with a trip to Aberdeen — who they defeated 4-0 in October — on Saturday.
Given the likelihood that Celtic will win at home to Ross County, a victory at Pittodrie could see the Tangerines leap out of the bottom two.
“We pummelled Aberdeen at Tannadice a few weeks ago so we know they’ll be after a reaction,” added Edwards. “We need to be ready for that response.
“But for us, it’s just another chance to make up ground on the teams above us.”
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