United rise from ashes to summit

SUCH a revival never look likely only a fortnight ago. Despite all the background uncertainty, Dundee United are back to where they aspire to be at the summit of the Championship.

United have duly risen in the face of adversity following former manager Ray McKinnon’s recent dismissal by securing consecutive wins over Dumbarton and now joint leaders St Mirren to ensure their pursuit of the title is once more on course.

Rejuvenated under the leadership of caretaker boss Laurie Ellis, they swept St Mirren aside at Tannadice on Saturday courtesy of goals in either half from Mark Durnan and Sam Stanton, rendering Adam Eckersley’s stoppage-time volley nothing more than a mere consolation.

The Tayside club expect to appoint a new manager this week with former Hearts gaffer Csaba Laszlo still the front-runner.

Scott Fraser, outstanding throughout this victory, is urging his team-mates to proceed and claim that precious top spot now that only goal difference separates them and Jack Ross’s Saints at the top.

“I had mentioned that it would only take a matter of two games to get back to where we feel we belong, “smiled Fraser afterwards.

“We’re back top of the league which is a great feeling.”

Fraser, 22, believes much of the praise must go to interim manager Ellis who had been McKinnon’s assistant until his departure.

He said: “I think with the size of club, the pressure is on from the start of the season.

“We’re happy working with Laurie just now. Long may that continue. I think a lot of the credit has to go to go to Laurie.

“He’s given us a lot of freedom in training. It has been class for the past two weeks. It’s just the atmosphere that Laurie has managed to build which has been so positive.”