Jackie McNamara has said he is relieved that the decisions by the officials didn’t cost his dearly during their 3-2 win over Kilmarnock.
Jackie McNamara has said he is relieved that the decisions by the officials didn’t cost his dearly during their 3-2 win over Kilmarnock.
Video evidence showed that Alexei Eremenko had been in an offside position before he lashed a fierce strike past Rado Cierzniak for Killie’s opener and it was a hand that guided the ball into the net for their second.
McNamara refused to dwell on the incidents, however, and instead was keen to accentuate the positive.
He said: “There was a suggestion there was a deflection (at Rankin’s goal) but looking back at the highlights I didn’t see one although I did see the offside goal and the handball for the other ones.
“The good thing was those decisions never cost us. It was a good strike from the lad but it should have been given offside.
“There’s no point griping about it, it’s not going to change things but thankfully it didn’t affect the result and we managed to score more goals than they did.”
Two of United’s young stars, Ryan Gauld and John Souttar, are injury doubts for Friday night’s game against Motherwell.
McNamara added: “Souttar and Gauld are a bit sore from the weekend and didn’t train. John is struggling with his achilles while Ryan had to come off with a hip injury.
“Hopefully they won’t be too bad but it will be later in the week before we know for sure. We’ve got Gavin Gunning back training and he will build it up as the week goes on and could come into contention.
“Stuart Armstrong has a couple of problems but should be all right.”
Souttar’s footballing education continued on Saturday with the teenager lining up against wily striker Kris Boyd.
McNamara admitted he thought the youngster responded well to this latest test and he is also pleased with the way he has gelled with recent arrival, Aussie centre-half Curtis Good.
The manager added: “It was a hard game for Souttar playing against someone like Boyd. Boydie is clever and physical but Souttar has had a number of games like that now and is getting used to it.
“He played against guys like Gary Hooper in the cup semi-final and Michael Higdon last year and is learning all the time.
“John and Curtis have gelled really well, especially as Curtis came in and only trained one day before he played. I have been delighted for him. For someone so young, he is very composed and takes everything in his stride.
“If you look at his first three games, you would think he has been here for a long time. He is fitting in well with the way we play.”