DONS STAR ROSS SET TO CHECK IN
McCall delight at sealing loan deal
Ian McCall was this week finalising a move to bring exciting Aberdeen youngster Frank Ross to Somerset Park on a six- month loan deal.
Ross, 21, who can play on either flank, is well accustomed to the Ladbrokes Championship, having been farmed out to Morton in the 2017/ 18 season.
The Dons wide boy, who is a Scotland youth internationalist, is highly rated by the coaching staff at Pittodrie and signed a one- year contract extension in May last year.
But he only managed to make two first team appearances last season before succumbing to a long- term injury.
However, it’s hoped that another loan stint, this time in Ayr, will help United’s league and cup crusade – and see the talented youngster blossom.
Ross becomes the club’s third new signing of the summer, following Kris Doolan and Sam Roscoe through the dressing room door.
McCall said: “I’m almost certain that we’ll bring Frank Ross in from Aberdeen in a sixmonth loan deal.
“Frank can play on the right or the left and if we get him, I’ll be pleased. Hopefully he’ll do really well.”
And if all goes to plan, it’s possible Ross could make his debut in this weekend’s opening group game of the Betfred Cup against Berwick Rangers.
United warmed up for this season’s curtain raiser with two pre- season fixtures.
They defeated Queens Park 2- 0 in a closed doors fixture last Tuesday– with Michael Moffat on target with a brace.
And they followed it up with a convincing 5- 2 win over AFC Fylde on Saturday.
Again, Moffat helped himself to a double, as did Craig McGuffie, while new boy Sam Roscoe got his United career off to a flyer with a goal.
This week the competitive season begins in earnest for McCall’s side as they head to Shielfield Park.
Saturday’s opponents have dropped into the Lowland League but McCall and his players won’t underestimate them.
He said: “We can’t afford to treat any game lightly. We’ve done well in the group stages in the past and hope we’ll be able to continue doing that.”
McCall, meanwhile, is targeting a new midfielder, a right- back, a striker and a new goalkeeper as he continues to try to bolster his squad.
He added: “Whether we’ll get all of them I don’t know, but we’ll try.”
United’s Ladbrokes Championship fixture at home to Dundee has been brought forward to Friday, October 25, and will be screened live on BBCScotland.