Jim Goodwin hailed the impressive depth of his Dundee United squad following a breathless 2-1 win at Ayr United – before revealing he expects to add to it next week.
With Declan Gallagher currently a couple of weeks away from full fitness following groin surgery, untried youngster Greg Petrie was on the bench as deputy to Ross Graham and Kevin Holt.
United were keen to secure the signing of a centre-back in January but that did not come to pass.
However, Goodwin can still snap up domestic loans from Premiership clubs or free agents to afford additional options and “experience” to his defensive pool.
“We’ll probably have one (signing) done in the early part of this coming week, just with a view to shoring up the backline a little bit,” confirmed Goodwin.
“We had Ross Graham and Kevin Holt today, and young (Greg) Petrie, who is an under-18s centre-half, on the bench.
“But we are hopeful of getting one over the line with a bit more experience in that department.
“Then Declan Gallagher should be back in another couple of weeks and, if we can keep the group fit, then we have good options in all areas.”
Warning shot
That fact was underlined during a stirring final 30 minutes at Somerset Park.
Trailing to a Jamie Murphy free-kick after 90 SECONDS, United were able to call upon substitutes Tony Watt and Kai Fotheringham – both dropped after last week’s 0-0 draw against Dunfermline – to illuminate the contest.
Watt restored parity with a fine solo strike before setting up Ross Docherty’s winner.
“I wasn’t happy with the game against Dunfermline last weekend,” continued Goodwin. “I felt we were lacklustre in forward areas and lacked a bit of creativity and cutting edge.
“Everyone knows their responsibilities and, if you aren’t performing to the levels we expect, then the likelihood is we will change things up. Hopefully, that’s a shot in the arm for the entire squad.
“We have players waiting in the wings and wanting to take their places in the team. That should drive everyone on and make us better.”
Character
Although his second-half tweaks proved impactful, Goodwin insists the comeback – which sends United four points clear at the summit of the Championship – was all down to the players.
“There was nothing tactical about that one,” he added. “It was all down to the character of the players and the substitutes coming on and making a real impact.
“It was a brilliant three points. I don’t think many people will care about the overall performance at this stage of the season when results are all-important.”
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