Kid Matty’s a Terror threat
Smith key to promotion tilt says Quinn
PAUL QUINN is backing Matty Smith to continue his scoring streak and drive Dundee United’s promotion dream to the bitter end.
He has been bowled over by the 21-year-old local lad whose timely double gave Csaba Laszlo’s men a morale-boosting 3-1 win away to Queen of the South in midweek.
The deadly Dundonian has seized his chance having come through the Terrors youth ranks and was also on target in the recent 2-1 loss at Livingston after Laszlo threw him into top-team action.
Now former Aberdeen and Motherwell stalwart Quinn reckons Smith can kick on and give United a much-needed killer instinct in front of goal.
He said: “We’re not surprised about Matty. Everyone’s working hard with him to make him better and get more out of him. We know the quality he has.
“He’s taking his chance just now and is scoring as well as working hard for the team. He’s got plenty about him. He’s a quiet lad but he’ll dig in, put his body on the line and works his socks off for the team. That’s where he ends up getting his goals from, working hard and getting in positions and has that extra bit of quality to finish it off.
“He can play with a freedom and as long as we can help him Matty can do really well for us.”
Zach Elbouzedi knows Caley Thistle’s play-off dream could turn into a relegation battle if they don’t shake off their slump.
The run of only three defeats in 18 matches that re-energised the Highlanders’ season has given way to a sequence of four defeats from five.
Winning three games in hand on fourth-placed Morton would fire John Robertson’s side right back into contention but for now second-bottom Dumbarton are breathing down their necks.
Elbouzedi said: “It was a big blow to lose at Dunfermline in midweek but we just have to keep going.
“Dumbarton are closing in so we have to look over our shoulders as well. We need to start winning games.”