Dundee United have reaped immediate benefit from their new artificial surface at Gussie Park.
The Tangerines trained on the state-of-the-art facility yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s Premiership game against Kilmarnock on Rugby Park’s synthetic pitch.
That should help the players cope better with a venue that saw them produce one of their worst performances of the season when they lost 2-0 to Killie back on October 3.
Manager Jackie McNamara said last night: “We know what to expect down there and we trained on our new pitch at Gussie Park today.
“To be fair, it’s just been laid down but it’s a really good surface.
“It will be good for the team that we have somewhere to prepare before we face games against the likes of Kilmarnock or Hamilton.
“I think we know we didn’t play our best football down there the last time and got what we deserved on the night.
“So I will be looking for a good reaction on Saturday.”
It was Allan Johnston who was in the other dugout for the previous game in Ayrshire but he has since left and been replaced by Gary Locke at least until the end of the season.
Locke did a decent job under pressure at Hearts last season before making way for Robbie Neilsen, and McNamara said: “Gary has taken the job until the end of the season and he will be looking to get it long-term.
“He was a bit unfortunate with what happened to him last year.
“He did very well there under the circumstances. He conducted himself well and handled everything well and I think the club (Hearts) are getting the benefit of their kids having played last season.”
McNamara will have to change his backline because Jarek Fojut is suspended but he has new/old boy Paul Dixon to come in at left-back.
The Tannadice boss said: “Jarek is suspended but we have plenty of defensive options.
“There are still a few decisions to be made about the team.”