Dundee United boss Peter Houston has promised German frontman Andis Shala that he’ll be given an opportunity to claim a first-team place this term just as long as he continues to be willing to learn and improve.
Despite the campaign being a write-off for Francisco Sandaza, Shala struggled for game time as Jon Daly and David Goodwillie established themselves as United’s first-choice strike pairing.
This time around he will have to fight it out with Daly, Goodwillie, Sandaza, Damian Casalinuovo, Jonny Russell and, if he doesn’t move on, Kevin Smith.
But Houston still has belief in him.
“Andis has a lot to prove but he’s been a wee bit unlucky with the amount of quality strikers we have at the club,” said the manager.
“Any time he’s come in he’s done well and remember he still qualified as an under-21.
“But he now has to try and make a place his own.”
Houston added, “He’s a big, honest guy who’s come back fitter this year than he did last summer. And he may prove to be a late developer.
“If he’s doing well and, say, Jon Daly gets injured or whatever, he’ll be given his chance. But he needs to keep listening, work on his first touch and develop the ability to hold the ball in better.”