Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
EARLY SIGNS PROMISING FOR UTD NEW BOYS
Robbie’s January recruits can all shine for Tangerines
IT’S still early days with Dundee United’s January signings but 10 of the 11 Robbie Neilson fixed up last month have already had game time.
Tonight, therefore, the Tele takes a look at how they’ve done in their limited time so far and looks ahead to what Arabs can expect from their new men.
Ross Laidlaw
The goalie who has joined on loan from Hibs for the rest of the campaign is the one arrival fans have still to see in action. That could change in Saturday’s Scottish Cup visit to St Mirren and at the very least he will provide experienced cover for Benjamin Siegrist.
Charlie Seaman
It was a difficult start for the Bournemouth kid as he made his debut in the defeat at Ayr United just hours after flying north to begin his loan. The 19-year-old, however, did reasonably well at Somerset Park and looked good as he made his home debut in Saturday’s win over Morton.
Mark Reynolds
The vastly-experienced Aberdeen defender showed his ability and know-how as he strolled through his debut against the Ton, despite injury meaning that was his first competitive outing since last May. Reynolds was handed the captain’s armband and showed leadership qualities that could prove vital in the coming months.
Mark Connolly
The arrival from Crawley Town is another centre-half and Saturday saw him show instant signs of being able to form a solid partnership with Reynolds. The Irishman is a no-nonsense defender who looks perfect for the physical requirements of the Championship.
Calum Butcher
Back for a second spell at United having previously played at Tannadice under Jackie McNamara, the midfielder was brought in to add bite in that area of the park. He lasted an hour at the weekend and in that time won his tackles and had a big influence on those around him in the middle of the park.
Ian Harkes
The 23-year-old American was something of a surprise arrival but with his energetic box-to-box running has shown why Robbie Neilson wanted him. The former DC United team-mate of Wayne Rooney covered a lot of ground and, as he showed in the Scottish Cup win at Montrose, also has a goal in him.
Morgaro Gomis
Another who is returning to United, in his case for a third spell in tangerine. Gomis blotted his copy book by picking up a red card in that defeat at Ayr. Now 33, the 2010 Scottish Cup winner is unlikely to start every game but will provide good cover in central midfield.
Peter Pawlett
The manager spent most of last month working to secure the services of the former Aberdeen man who played for him at MK Dons. Pawlett wasted no time showing why with a superb debut against Morton that saw him grab his first United goal. His pace, use of the ball and movement off it means he will be a very big player.
Cammy Smith
The third of the arrivals who have played for United before. Smith has fitted in well since joining up from St Mirren. He goes about his work in quietly but his knowledge of how to win promotion from this division makes him an asset.
Aidan Nesbitt
Another who played for Neilson at MK Dons. The former Celtic kid has signed until the end of the season and so far only one of his five appearances have been as a starter. At 21, the attacker could be one for the future – if he can add goals to the nice touches seen so far.
Osman Sow
Another ex-MK Don and the Swedish striker also played for Neilson during a successful spell at Hearts. The 28-year-old has had a lack of game time but if he can get his match fitness back quickly there is no question he has the ability to get goals in this division.