Utd looking for youth to step up

DUNDEE United kids Scott Allardice and Jamie Robson look set to keep their places i n the side when the Tangerines play host to Dunfermline tonight.

Robson has been a standout in the left-back berth i n recent weeks, doing more than enough to keep the experienced Paul Dixon out of the side.

Fellow youngster Scott Allardice was drafted into the squad at the weekend, and appeared to grab the opportunity with both hands and, in the case of a wise foul to stop a Falkirk break, a leg too.

The debutant signalled his intent to Ray McKinnon with an i mposing and strong display in the middle of the park against the Bairns.

And his industrious performance did not go unnoticed, with his boss saying:“I really like him (Allardice). I think the penny has dropped and the maturity is getting there.

“He’s a big presence, a good player, and he’s not fazed by anything.

“He ran out of steam, his legs had gone and he was like ‘get me off of here’.

“It was a good debut for him.

“I’m delighted for Jamie Robson as well.

“Everyone forgets he’s only 18 years old and he’s done great so well done to them.”

With five fixtures l eft before the play-off schedule gets underway, United are looking for an emphatic closing stretch.

A win over Dunfermline would put the Terrors just one point behind second-placed Falkirk, and young blood could just be the catalyst for more positive results.

Reflecting on the youngsters’ impact, Ray said: “It’s good for us to get the young players coming through.It gives everyone else in the team a wee lift when that happens.”

Scott Allardice impressed on his debut at Tannadice.