What’s up Doc?
Goodwin: Midfield maestro Ross is better than most of players in top flight and he’ll prove it next season
DUNDEE UNITED boss Jim Goodwin insists skipper Ross Docherty is Premiership class and deserves to be playing in the top flight.
The Tannadice gaffer is adamant the Tangerines midfielder has been the best in the Championship for the last few years – and reckons he’s better than many of the players in the league above him.
The 31-year-old, however, has never played in the top flight during his career, having starred for Livingston, Airdrie, Ayr United, Partick Thistle and now Dundee United
And Goodwin wants to put that right as United close in on Championship glory and automatic promotion.
The Tannadice outfit are six points ahead of Raith Rovers with just three games remaining and Goodwin is determined to help Docherty get to the top level of the Premiership.
He said: “Doc has had a frustrating season, with the number of games he has missed through injury – but he has been the best midfielder in the Championship, consistently, for the last three or four seasons.
“That’s why we brought him to the club and we fought hard to get him.
“He’s playing a big part, we’ve got him fit at the right time and hopefully he stays available for the next three games.
“I’ve spent a few years with St Mirren in the Premiership and played against some good midfielders, and Ross deserves to be playing in the top flight.
“He at the very least deserves the opportunity to see if he can handle it. I’ve got every faith in him; I believe he’d handle that as I look at some of the players at that level now and I think he’s as good – if not even better.
“Our job is to make sure we get there and give these players the opportunity to step up to that next level.”
Goodwin has hailed Docherty and midfield partner Craig Sibbald and insists they are a great double act in the middle of the park for Dundee United.
He said: “The two boys have been outstanding. They read the game so well, break things up and are very comfortable on the ball. They are a great balance.
“Sibbs has good experience playing in the league above. The energy levels are terrific.”