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Glenn Middleton returns to Dundee United training as Dylan Levitt comeback hope springs

Jim Goodwin is "hopeful" Wales international Levitt could play again before the end of the season

Glenn Middleton after scoring against Hibs this term. Image: SNS
Glenn Middleton after scoring against Hibs this term. Image: SNS

Glenn Middleton has returned to Dundee United training and is on course to be available for the Tangerines’ first post-split showdown against his former club, St Johnstone.

The former Rangers and Norwich kid has only played half-an-hour of football since February 11 due to a persistent hamstring strain.

However, Middleton took part in a technical session on Tuesday morning as he gradually works his way back to full fitness.

He will step up his recovery over the next week, albeit Goodwin readily admits that the talented forward is likely to be limited to a super-sub role for the upcoming trip to McDiarmid Park.

Nevertheless, he will be a stellar option on the bench, having already contributed five goals and two assists this term.

“Glenn (Middleton) joined in with the group on Tuesday morning,” confirmed Goodwin.

“It was a very small part of the session focusing on the technical aspect of things; a bit of passing.

“He is on track and we are very hopeful that, if everything goes according to plan this week, we will have him involved with the group in the build up to the St Johnstone game.

It’s great to have someone like Glenn to come in. He is not going to be match fit and won’t be where we need him to be physically, but he would be a fantastic option coming off the bench.

“If he can prove his fitness in the first two or three games after the split, then you never know; he might just get himself back in the team for the last couple of games.”

Dylan Levitt lastest

Levitt could feature again this season. Image: SNS

Goodwin is hopeful that Dylan Levitt could play some part in the run-in, albeit that timeframe is more opaque as the club carefully oversees his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

The Wales international has been absent since the 3-1 defeat against Aberdeen on March 4 — Goodwin’s first match in charge of the Terrors.

He added: “We are trying to nurse Dylan along at this moment. It remains hard to put a date on that. We would be hopeful of having him feature at some point between now and the end of the season.”

“Heroes”

Meanwhile, Goodwin insists he is relishing Saturday’s open training session at Tannadice — after being initially apprehensive about the prospect.

With no men’s senior fixture this weekend, all season ticket holders have been invited to watch Goodwin put his stars through their paces ahead of the Premiership denouement.

Goodwin was told about the event while United were still toiling at the foot of the table and the atmosphere among the fanbase was one of understandable disillusionment.

However, the mood is far more positive following three wins on the bounce.

Goodwin has swiftly won over fans. Image: SNS

“When I was told it was happening seven or eight weeks ago, I was a little bit apprehensive,” laughed Goodwin.

“We were sitting at the bottom of the table and there wasn’t a very positive vibe about the place!

“With things as they are now, hopefully we can get a good turnout. It’s a really good opportunity for the players to meet some of the supporters, and for us to show our gratitude to them.”

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