United want to go top for injured Fraz

HE admits news of teammate Fraser Fyvie’s seasonending injury was “gutting” but, going into tonight’s top-of-the-Championship clash at St Mirren, Paul McMullan has revealed it’s given Dundee United an even greater incentive to win.

Damaged knee ligaments mean it’ll be next pre-season before midfield anchorman ‘Fraz’ is back working normally and, when he is, the players are determined he’ll be preparing for life back in the top flight.

“We are really gutted for him. He’s been playing really good stuff and has probably been one of our best players so far this year,” said McMullan.

“To get such a bad injury is really tough on him and we are just hoping he gets back really quick.

“We are disappointed but the boys are concentrating on St Mirren and going back to the top of the table.

“It gives you a wee extra incentive if we can go and do it for him and take his mind off the bad news a bit. It’s something we will be trying to do.

“He will be disappointed as well, that’s only natural when you get bad news like this. But he wants the boys to do well and he’s wanting us to go out and win this one and keep winning.

“Everybody’s goal here is to get to the Premiership and, even with an injury, that’s not going to change for Fraser. It’s up to us to make sure when he comes back we’re there.”

If United can go to Paisley and chalk up their seventh win in an eight-game unbeaten run in the league, they will return to the top and hold a game in hand over the Buddies.

Obviously, that’s the aim for McMullan. He views going into the New Year in the automatic promotion spot as something that would give the Tangerines a massive psychological advantage.

At the same time, he’s not willing to write off St Mirren or any of a chasing pack who look to be losing touch with the top two.

“The way the table has opened up it is looking like a two-horse race — but