United boss is looking to add to squad

DUNDEE United boss Ray McKinnon says “a couple of players” are needed in January to get the club where he wants it after they climbed level with league leaders Hibs.

Friday night’s match at Tannadice was the biggest of the Championship season so far with just three points separating the top two sides.

And it was the Tangerines who came out on top on a night when penalties were the main talking point.

Early in the second half, the Hibees had the chance to take a precious lead after Lewis Toshney had brought down Martin Boyle inside the area.

Former Dundee striker Boyle himself stepped up but United goalkeeper Cammy Bell was equal to it, incredibly making his seventh spot-kick save of the season.

Then at the other end, substitute Simon Murray won his side a penalty after a solo run — Tony Andreu placed the ball and swept home the only goal of the game.

United and Hibs have opened a six-point gap to the chasing pack and it looks increasingly like a two-horse race to the title and, of course, promotion back to the Premiership.

And for his side to win that race, boss McKinnon reckons he needs to add some fresh faces in the January transfer window.

He said: “Win, lose or draw on Friday I said it was important we keep improving as a club.

“In January, we’ve got to improve the squad and that’s what we’re trying to do.

“Top of the league means nothing in December, so we’ve just got to keep going.

“We’re delighted to be at the top of the league. I’d rather be there than mid-table, so we’re really happy but we’re not getting carried away.

“If we can just add a couple of players in January — touch wood we can do it, hopefully, we’ll have a decent season.”

Ray, though, was understandably full of praise for his side and their defensive work particularly i n keeping out Hibs.