Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
McKinnon delighted with United youngsters
DUNDEE United boss Ray McKinnon was delighted his side’s trip to Montrose proved so effective.
Taking the field minus Lewis Toshney, Willo Flood and Scott Fraser, he was “happy” with the way his new-look team gelled together and “delighted” with the performance of his young players in the 3-0 success.
Jamie Robson, Scott Allardice and Matty Smith started the game with Cammy Ballantyne, Louis Appere, Brad Smith, Josh Donaldson, Logan Chalmers and Graham Taylor among nine second-half substitutes.
“I am happy with the workout. We haven’t been back in pre-season for long and I am really pleased with a lot of what I saw against Montrose,” said Ray.
“We had good pace up top and our off-the-ball movement was very good.
“Paul McMullan is a super player and Billy King was also in very good form.
“We also have a good spine to the side.
“And it was nice to be able to give so many kids game time.
“Three of them started — Jamie Robson, Scott Allardice and Matty Smith — and they are all local boys as are Louis Appere, Brad Smith and Logan Chalmers.
“We really have some good quality young lads and we have more to come.
“We have some 16-year-olds who will be pushing their way through.”
Latest signing Patrick N’Koyi was brought on during the second half and had a chance with a header which went over the bar. In fairness, the ball came at him quickly as Montrose keeper Jordan Miller palmed it out.
Trialists Deniz Mehmet, Jordie Briels and Paul Quinn fitted in seamlessly.
Goalkeeper Mehmet made four appearances between the sticks for Falkirk last season before ending the term at Port Vale for whom he played nine times.
A former West Ham United youth player, he had four seasons in his native Turkey with Kayserispor and has been capped by Turkey from U/16-U/19 level.
Briels, a 25-year-old midfield player, was previously with Dutch side Fortuna Sittard who N’Koyi also turned out for.
Quinn, who plays in the centre of the defence, has vast experience gained with Motherwell, Cardiff City, Doncaster Rovers, Aberdeen and two spells at Ross County.