Youth players are ‘positives’ and key to the future at Tannadice

Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon has lavished praise on teenage duo Scott Allardice and Jamie Robson.

Robson, 19, has illustrated his versatility by impressing in defence and midfield this term, making 23 appearances and helping the Terrors claim the IrnBru Cup with a 2-1 win over St Mirren last month.

Scotland under-19 star Allardice has been a revelation since making his debut against Falkirk at the start of the month, turning in a series of nerveless showings to cement his place in the team in the last three matches.

“Again, we saw on Saturday two really good performances from our young lads, Jamie Robson and Scott Allardice in midfield,” said McKinnon. “Those are real positives.

“That is very encouraging for me, because we need them at this club. Our depth isn’t that great at the moment, we have a few players injured, and they have come in and done really well for us.

“That bodes well for the future for Dundee United.”

Meanwhile, United playmaker Tony Andreu has emphasised the importance of securing second spot in the Championship, and ensuring one tie fewer in the playoffs, ahead of what promises to be a fraught promotion battle.

A hard-fought 0-0 draw against Ayr United on Saturday saw the Tannadice outfit move to within one point of Falkirk and Andreu – who claimed promotion through the play-offs with Hamilton in 2014 – is determined to overhaul the Bairns.

“We are working for this every day,” said the Frenchman. “We want to be in the best position for the play-offs because we know that it is not easy if you finish third or fourth.

“We definitely will do our best to finish up there and try to win the promotion that I think the club, the players, the staff and – most of all – the fans really deserve.”