But Terrors good shape

meant Sunday was our first glimpse of Willo Flood and Jordie Briels anchoring the midfield together.

We know what to expect from Flood and, in his games so far, Dutchman Briels has looked a younger and slightly more mobile version of the Irishman.

With difficult away fixtures a feature of the division, their dig could be a big weapon.

Further up the park there are creative choices in shape of Billy King, Paul McMullan, Scott Fraser, James Keatings and Sam Stanton — he can play deeper as well — and they have the talent to create and take chances.

Keatings can also be deployed right up top but, once he’s match fit, that role will surely be taken by Scott McDonald.

In his few minutes on the pitch at Dens he showed he can hold the ball and bring others into play, while getting goals in the second tier should not be a problem.

If there are worries about United they centre on two things — size and size. As the lack of an available No 9 for the starting line-up at Dens showed, this is not a big squad and just a few injuries and/or suspensions could create problems.

And while there are good players for the attacking positions, the lack of a big striker is not ideal.

At times route one can be the best option but right now it doesn’t appear one that’s open to the Tangerines.

up the extra penalty-shootout point against Dundee with team-mates Tam Scobbie (left) and William Edjenguele.