Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
The Tangerine dream getting vivid for Louis
LOUIS Appere is ready to seize the opportunity to become a first-team regular at Dundee United.
Appere netted his first goal since January as he calmly drilled home United’s opener in the 1-1 Premiership draw at Ross County.
Joseph Hungbo scored in added time to rescue a draw for the Staggies but Appere looks to have played his way into Tam Courts’ plans.
French striker Max Biamou has joined long-term injury victim Marc McNulty on the treatment table, with the door opening for Appere.
“I hadn’t scored since the St Johnstone game last January,” said Appere.
“I was out injured for the first few months of the season and it’s been difficult to break into a team that is playing so well, but I was delighted to get a goal.
“The gaffer always tells us there is healthy competition here. When you get a chance you need seize the opportunity. That’s how I felt when I started and hopefully I’ve taken my opportunity.
“It’s a shame when players get injured, but it sometimes gives you an opportunity to play. It’s up to me to take it.”
Appere has vowed United will quickly recover from the shock of losing a last-gasp goal.
The Tannadice side travel to Motherwell tomorrow before welcoming Celtic to Dundee on Sunday.
While Appere freely admits they didn’t do enough to merit a win in Dingwall, it was a painful ending for the visitors.
“I don’t think we played as well as we’d have liked,” added Appere.
“It was a battle, particularly in the first half. In the second we had a couple of chances, so it’s gutting to lose to the last effort.
“It’s a kick in the teeth, but we’ll move on. We have another big game on Tuesday at Motherwell and hope to bounce back.”
Courts praised Appere for playing his way into his plans with his first goal in almost a year and the young striker may well have done enough to stake a claim for a regular start.
“It was a great composed finish from Louis,” said Courts.
“He has a lot of first-team experience and we sometimes forget that.
“Louis played as a striker and it was great to see him rewarded. He led the line really well. He has given me food for thought.
“We’re missing a few players. “A number have been very consistent for this club this year, but I’m looking forward to some returning to give me that headache.”
With Jeando Fuchs and Dylan Levitt injured and Calum Butcher suspended, United handed Appere and Florent Hoti rare starts.
Kosovo under-21 international Hoti looked impressive early on, almost netting the opener in 20 minutes.
A superb through ball from Peter Pawlett set Hoti up, but his 25-yard effort was parried away by County keeper Ash Maynard-Brewer.
Hoti then followed that up with a superbly timed last-ditch tackle on Blair Spittal to deny the former United star a clear sight on goal.
The visitors survived a scare as Jack Baldwin headed off the post in 30 minutes.
Harry Paton met the rebound, but Benjamin Siegrist produced a stunning save.
The Swiss keeper then made another instinctive stop to block Spittal’s swerving volley.
United were backed by a fantastic travelling support of almost 1,000 who sang the entire 90 minutes.
And with United shooting towards their fans in the second half, they took the lead in 49 minutes.
Once again Ilmari Niskanen played a pivotal role as he set up Appere for a devilish turn and shot from 10 yards.
Appere wheeled away to celebrate with the United fans.
The hosts had chances to level – Baldwin cracked a header off the bar and Siegrist made a great save to deny Spittal.
County were dealt a blow in 75 minutes as Harry Clarke walked for a second bookable offence after a foul on Hoti. However, Hungbo earned them a deserved draw with his late leveller.