Helped Courts into Europe

back next term, he leaves massive boots to fill.

IAN HARKES

Absence has certainly made the heart grow fonder in the case of Harkes.

Often unappreciated in the centre of midfield, the American’s two-month stint on the sidelines has underlined what United miss when he is unavailable.

Guile; an ability to break the lines; a willingness to have a pop at goal – all attributes that Harkes brings to the party, even if he sometimes has an off-day.

This season, Harkes has contributed massive moments.

He bagged a spectacular derby winner against Dundee, notched the equaliser at Celtic Park as United claimed a point and scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen in November.

Harkes averaged 1.5 shots per game, more than any other Tannadice midfielder.

Allied with a Premiership player of the month award in September – the first time a United player had picked up that accolade since Paul Paton in February 2016 – and you have a player who shone brightly in 2021-22. It is little wonder the

Tangerines are so keen to see him put pen to paper as his contract ticks down towards the summer.

AND FINALLY...

An honourable mention is due to Ross Graham for a sensational second half of the campaign, rising like Lazarus following a miserable few months on loan at Dunfermline.

A staggeringly successful spell for the boyhood Arab.

Nevertheless, it was just 11 Premiership appearances; a slightly small sample size.

One thing can be almost certain, based on his rise to date: he will be on this list next year.

was the linchpin in United’s successful season.