Slater’s in frame for Falkirk clash

MIDFIELDER Craig Slater is set for his Dundee United debut at Falkirk on Saturday — the only question is whether or not he starts.

Last night Csaba Laszlo made his first move of the January transfer window when he snapped up the 23-year-old Scot on loan from Colchester United until the end of the season.

And the ex-Kilmarnock man will be in the squad for the weekend trip to the Falkirk Stadium.

With midfielders Scott Fraser and Fraser Fyvie long-term absentees after picking up serious injuries in the festive period and Jordie Briels still some way away from fitness, Slater’s arrival will restore some quality and depth to the squad.

One question over him initially will be his match fitness.

His last start for Colchester was two months ago in early November and his most recent first team action was as a substitute against Morecambe in the middle of that month.

That might see him put on the bench this weekend, though a final decision will be made after Csaba has seen him train.

Having filled the hole i n his midfield caused by those injuries to Fyvie, Fraser and Briels, t he manager is now likely to turn his attention to adding another striker.

And he has made it clear he’s looking to do business.

“The board at the moment, the chairman, has been very kind with us and we have some budget free,” he said.

“We have to use this budget to bring players in who can definitely take the role from the injured players and help the team.”

One thing Csaba is determined not to do is use the injuries to Fyvie and Fraser as an excuse for any dip in form.

He does not hide from the fact the loss of that pair is a major blow but believes it is down to those who are fit and available to cope.

“I wish both boys well and hope they are very quick back,” he added.

“Every single injury gives you a handicap but, on the other side, you have to be positive.

“In the next weeks we cannot say ‘oh it is because Scott Fraser, oh it is because Fraser Fyvie’”.

Next week Fraser will have surgery on the foot he broke for the second time in under a year during Friday’s defeat at St Mirren.

That remains likely to rule him out for the rest of the campaign.

Craig Slater, pictured in action for Scotland U/21s, has signed for Dundee United on loan from Colchester United until the end of the season.