Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
United kids can make an impact in Premiership
G OR DON For rest has backed Dundee United’s young stars to shine in the Premiership.
The Tangerines assistant boss has been hugely impressed with the quality of United’s academy prospects this season.
Several have played their part in the Tannadice club’s Championship title-winning campaign.
Louis Appere has been the headliner, with Scotland U/21 recognition his reward for a stunning debut campaign.
O t h e r s h a v e ma d e their presence felt in Robbie Neilson’s first team, too.
But Forrest expects United’s kids to move even further to the fore once United get started in the top flight.
He said: “The owners have invested heavily in the academy and the focus will stay on bringing young players through.
“We have a few who broke through last season, Louis Appere springs to mind – he had a very good season and got a Scotland U/21 call-up.
“Declan Glass went out on loan in the first half of the season then played his part when he came back.
“And Chris Mochrie, too.
“He’s only 16 but he got minutes and has a good future ahead of him.
“There are others bubbling away in the background in that 16 or 17-year-old age group, that we think a lot of.
“We certainly have a few players who will be there or thereabouts.”
When United’s youngsters will get their chance to i mpress remains to be seen.
With no decision yet made on how to conclude the current Premiership season, it’s a waiting game for the Tangerines.
Players and staff alike have been placed on furlough leave, with only a few senior workers left in post to run the club through lockdown.
It all adds up to a strange way to celebrate winning the title and promotion after four years in the Championship.
It’s mission accomplished for United, yet without the certainty of knowing when next season will begin, everything feels strangely unfinished.