Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Toshney could be back to face Hibs
LEWIS Toshney is set to hand Dundee United a boost by returning to action in Friday’s massive promotion clash with Hibs.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since pulling a hamstring in the defeat at Falkirk almost a month ago.
Today, though, he was back training with the squad and that should put him in line for involvement against the Championship leaders.
The decision facing manager Ray McKinnon will be whether the versatile Toshney is fit enough to start after four weeks on the sidelines.
Defender Coll Donaldson will also be back in contention.
Last month the 21-year-old was on the verge of quitting Tannadice for Polish top-flight outfit Bruk-Bet Termalica Nieciecz.
He spent 10 days training with them and impressed in a closed-door match.
But the deal stalled when, having previously indicated they were keen on a permanent signing, Nieciecz only offered to take him on loan.
That was not acceptable to United and, with the Polish transfer window now closed, the former QPR and Livingston man will remain at United until the end of the season at least.
It’s not clear yet if the Poles will come back in for him then, but Ray had stressed all along that if Donaldson did not end up staying in Eastern Europe, he would continue to be considered for involvement.
He got game time for the Development Squad against Aberdeen last week and that should put him in contention for a place on the bench on Friday.
Meanwhile, veteran Dutchman Nick van der Velden has pledged to help United win promotion before the curtain comes down on his career in the summer.
The 35-year-old announced over the weekend he plans to retire at the end of the season.
But he wants to go out on a high and that means leaving United as they look forward to a Premiership return.
“After playing professional football for 13 years, I have decided to retire at the end of the season,” he said.
“It is always difficult to bring to an end something you are passionate about but I do so knowing I gave my all and more.
“It has been a great honour to play for all my clubs.
“I still have goals at Dundee United and am focused on achieving them.”