Ray happy with midfield options

DUNDEE United boss Ray McKinnon is growing increasingly happy with his midfield options.

The departures of John Rankin and Paul Paton just as he was taking over in the summer meant Ray was short of men to run the “engine-room” of his team.

That’s why he added Willo Flood and Stewart Murdoch to his squad and a bonus for him in that area has come in the shape of the form of Charlie Telfer, who’s enjoying the best spell of his Tangerines career.

The manager was delighted to see his midfield choice increase when Murdoch and Lewis Toshney returned from long-term injuries in Saturday’s Irn-Bru Cup win over Dunfermline.

And another plus in that area was the performance of 19-year-old Brad Smith after he was handed his first top-team start down at East End Park.

“I asked Brad and Lewis to play in the middle of the park. I think they both did well and you have to remember they’d both had 90 minutes for the Development team just a few days earlier.

“Brad’s got a good future and, although I see Tosher as a defender, he can definitely play in the middle of the park as well.

“The big thing for me was to see him back fit and to get Stewart Murdoch on as well was great. It gives me good options in that area.”

United will face a trip to Queen of the South when the Irn-Bru semis come round early next year.

They were drawn away to the Doonhamers, who the Tangerines beat 4-1 in the league on their own patch earlier this month.

The tie will be played on the weekend of February 18/19. It means United’s home clash with St Mirren in the Championship that weekend will be moved.

Stewart Murdoch is fit again after his recent injury.