Betfred boxes all ticked for United

DUNDEE United boss Ray McKinnon has labelled his side’s Betfred Cup group campaign a job well done.

With the exception of being pipped to top spot by Inverness Caley in Group C on goal difference, Ray believes the ties so far have ticked all the boxes.

“The first thing was to qualify from the group and we’ve done that. That’s pleasing and on top of that everyone’s got match fitness,” he said.

“I’ve been able to rotate the players quite well, so it’s all good.”

He was also satisfied with the draw for the last 16. It handed the Tangerines a home tie with Partick Thistle next week.

Ray’s viewing that as a chance to see his side tested by strong opposition.

“We’re at home, so that’s pleasing. Thistle are in the league above us just now and they’re a good team, so we’ll see where we are.

“It won’t be easy, but we will go into it looking to do well in front of our own fans.”

Before that, United’s vital Championship campaign kicks off when Queen of the South visit on Saturday. The big fitness concern for that one is left-back Paul Dixon.

The knee injury he suffered up at Inverness just over a week ago forced him to sit out yesterday’s 2-0 win over Dunfermline and is a doubt for the weekend.

“We’re still waiting for it to settle down. He was still feeling it in training, so we had to leave him out. But before the game he said it did feel a lot better.”

Attacker Cammy Smith missed out yesterday because of a migraine but he will be back in the squad for Saturday.

“Cammy wasn’t feeling at all well, so there was no point in making him come down and try to play.

“Coll Donaldson and a couple of others took some knocks during the game but they’ll be OK.”

Ray felt yesterday’s action was a perfect test for his players at this stage.

“Dunfermline are a decent side and they worked extremely hard, kept going and made it difficult for us.

“It was up to us to make sure we kept working for the 90 minutes and we did. We know we will have to earn every point in the league campaign and be at it.

“I thought we played some good football but when we get chances we have to make sure we take them because it’s going to be a very tough league.”

Scott Fraser is congratulated by his team-mates after he scores Dundee United’s second goal at Tannadice yesterday.