Ryan Dow ready whenever Dundee United’s season starts

Dundee United attacker Ryan Dow, who recently had surgery on a groin problem, will be back for the first day of pre-season training even if the Tannadice side have their holidays cut short.

Dow saw a specialist last week after having an operation on a double hernia at the end of April and got the all clear to start ramping things up and he will be ready for an early return should Jackie McNamara’s side qualify for the Europa League.

A fourth-placed finish and an Inverness Caledonian Thistle Scottish Cup win over Falkirk will be required for United to be in Europe and if that happens Dow will be ready.

The 23-year-old said: “I had a good visit to the specialist and he was happy with how things have gone.

“He gave me the go-ahead to start work on building the muscles up so I have started some light jogging.

“When I had the operation they said it would take up to six weeks before I could do a full training session. That was three weeks ago so everything is bang in line with that.

“Obviously, this season is at an end for me. However, I will be ready for next season.

“In fact I will be ready for the early return that would be required if we make Europe.”