Training off after Covid hits United

DUNDEE United have cancelled training just 72 hours before they are due to face Rangers – after a player tested positive for Covid.

Tele Sport understands the Tannadice club suspended training yesterday following one positive test in their squad.

But while they have sent the rest of their squad for PCR tests the Ibrox clash is not yet under threat.

United face a 24-hour wait on results, with their preparations for the visit to the Scottish Premiership champions on ice.

It’s understood the players were on a Christmas night out in Newcastle over the weekend.

But there is nothing that links the positive test to that trip.

Until now, United had avoided a Covid outbreak this season, with only isolated cases involving a couple of staff members earlier in the campaign.

Boss Tam Courts praised United’s handling of that situation last month.

“We have our own internal process within the club,” Courts said in November.

“It is a lot more stringent than the Scottish Football Association’s protocols.

“We immediately did some PCR tests and it came back that two of our staff tested positive for Covid.

“We managed to track and trace all the staff and players and got them tested.

“I have to tip my hat to the medical team for the job they do for us at Tannadice.

“Especially the internal processes we have in place.

“This allowed us to respond really quickly and to settle things down.”

The SFA have tightened up rules regarding self-isolation with football clubs as the Omicron strain takes a grip.

As per Scottish Government guidance, all household contacts must self-isolate for 10 days regardless of vaccination status.

Close contacts in a matchday travel squad are determined by their proximity on the bus with a two-metre rule in place.

Hibernian were the last Scottish Premiership side to be unable to fulfil fixtures due to Covid-19.

A total of 15 players and four staff reported positive Covid results resulting in their games with Ross County and Livingston being postponed in November.

The Tannadice squad has been hit by Covid with training cancelled ahead of a massive clash against Rangers.