Dillon sure Celt would help United fly up table

WHEN they are not found tangling legs in a penalty box, Sean Dillon and Anthony Stokes tend to be rubbing shoulders in an airport departure lounge.

Both proud sons of Dublin, the duo have become accustomed to their paths crossing regularly as they make their way back home to visit friends and family on the Emerald Isle.

But following yesterday’s confirmation by Mixu Paatelainen that Dundee United have agreed a deal with Celtic to take Stokes on loan until the end of the season, defender Dillon admits it would be a dream to share a dressing room with his compatriot.

With relegation-haunted United 11 points adrift at the foot of the table and holding out for a hero to shoot them up the league, Dillon believes the capture of Stokes would benefit both parties.

‘I have met Anthony a few times, mostly at the airport going home,’ said Dillon.

‘He comes across as a really nice guy. Any time I have spoken to him, he has been brand new. I’ve obviously played against him a few times in Scotland, as well, and if this move happens, then it would be great.

‘Any arrival that is going to help us out of the situation we are currently in would be a big boost to this club. You always want to improve things and when good players come in they raise competition.

‘We are always looking to improve things and I am sure that would be the case if Anthony does come here. Should the club be doing all they can to get him? I think so.

‘When you are in this situation, then it’s nice to see the club trying to bring in guys like that who will definitely raise the bar.

‘I don’t know Anthony well enough to tell him what is right and wrong for him. Only he knows that. But from a very selfish point of view, to have somebody like that in your team would be a real bonus. He could help us climb up the table.

‘But the Euros this summer is another thing for him. It would be great to have him here and doing well. Wherever he goes, he will be desperate to do well and be in contention for the Republic of Ireland squad.’

Tonight, United face Celtic for the first time since losing 5-0 at Parkhead in October, a result that saw Paatelainen famously chastise his side.

United won the following week at home to Ross County on Halloween but they have not picked up a victory in the league since, with last week’s slender 1-0 Scottish Cup triumph over League One Airdrieonians their only victory.

But even if results do not show it, Paatelainen is adamant his team are much improved from their chaotic last meeting with the champions.

‘We did not defend well at all at Parkhead. We need to defend better this time,’ he said.

‘But we have made progress since that day — no question. We now have a clarity in how we play, in how we keep the ball, what positions to take, and how we create scoring opportunities.

‘It was very early doors (in my time as manager) when we played at Celtic Park but we are much better now.

‘I believe we can keep a clean sheet against Celtic. It will be very difficult but we can do it if we are organised and focused — and don’t make stupid mistakes.

‘Having said that, you never know how matches will go, especially against Celtic.’

Paatelainen has Mark Durnan and Guy Demel both out tonight through suspension, but Paul Paton could be in line for his first start since April.

Former Liverpool striker Florent Sinama Pongolle is still injured, although he is due to return to training on Monday, while Henri Anier is also due back from his unsuccessful loan spell at Hibs next week.

That means Paatelainen could hand a full debut to Finland international forward Riku Riski in behind Billy Mckay against the champions this evening.

Next up, after Celtic is the six-pointer visit of 11th-placed Kilmarnock to Tannadice. The next two games will be hugely influential in how United’s season unfolds but Paatelainen has not set his squad a points total they need to reach.

‘I don’t look at what it has taken in previous years to finish 11th,’ he said.

‘Every season is slightly different. But what we do know is we are detached and in a poor position. We have enough matches to turn it around. But we know it won’t be easy at all.’