McGrath fits in with United’s battleplan
JACK ROSS last night insisted that Jamie McGrath has joined Dundee United on loan until the end of the season because he sees a team heading in the right direction. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder had been linked with a move to Aberdeen and a reunion with his former St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin. However, Dons chairman Dave Cormack hinted this week that they had pulled out of the race due to the financial demands made by McGrath’s parent club, Wigan Athletic. Sidestepping that debate yesterday, Ross was just thrilled to finally land a player he twice tried to sign for Hibernian. Asked about Aberdeen’s interest, he said: ‘I have no idea if there was or there wasn’t. ‘It has always been about trying to bring Jamie to the club and there have been various aspects to that. ‘What the club did last year helps as well as what we are trying to do in moving forward. ‘There is an ambition to keep the upwards trajectory the club has been on. For me, it is third time lucky. I tried to bring him to Hibs twice. ‘Everyone in Scotland recognises the quality he possesses and that he showed when he was at St Mirren.’ McGrath confirmed he had several options but said it was an easy decision to sign for Ross on a temporary basis. The Republic of Ireland international is in line to make his United debut against AZ Alkmaar tonight in what he hopes will be the first of several European ties with his new team. ‘A few clubs came in for me but, speaking with the gaffer, I knew straight away this is where I want to be,’ he told DUTV. ‘I’d spoken to him once or twice in the past, so it’s third time lucky. There were a few options down south, a couple up here and a few from abroad. But it was a no-brainer to come here and I am looking forward to getting going. ‘I can add goals and creativity and I also like running around and making tackles. I just want to be a good team-mate for the lads. ‘There’s a big European tie coming up and, hopefully, I will be involved in some capacity. My gut instinct hasn’t been wrong in the past and I have a good feeling about being here.’