The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
McKinnon aims for early qualification
DUNDEE UNITED V COWDENBEATH
Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon is hoping his side will already have qualified for the second round of the Betfred Cup before the derby date with Dundee next Sunday.
The Tangerines sit top of Group C with six points to their name following wins over Raith Rovers and Buckie Thistle.
They face League 2 outfit Cowdenbeath at Tannadice tomorrow with McKinnon looking for another win which would all but confirm their progression in the competition.
The manager said: “Last season nine points was enough to qualify so hopefully we can get there on Sunday and that will be enough.
“If we can do that then we’re able to focus on the build-up to the derby knowing we’re in the next round already.
“So we’re hoping to get a positive result this weekend.”
United will be without James Keatings for the game against the Blue Brazil after the striker suffered ankle ligament damage in the Highlands against Buckie in midweek.
Medics have ruled the 25-year-old out for at least a month and possibly longer however McKinnon revealed the player himself insists he will return before then.
The manager added: “James is telling us he’s a quick healer and he’ll be back earlier than the four to six weeks.
“He is a determined lad, he’s telling us he’ll be back in three weeks so hopefully he’s right. He’s done really well for us, with him, Scott Fraser, Paul McMullan and Billy King we have a lot of talent at that end of the park.
“I still think we need more, I’d like to bring in another two strikers but it’s a difficult position to fill.
“If we can get Stewart Murdoch and Willo Flood back fit again then that bolsters our options in the middle of the park as well.
“They are coming along well and hopefully they’ll be ready soon.”
Meanwhile, Cowden manager Billy Brown takes the Blue Brazil to Tannadice looking for his players to put on a well-drilled display.
Brown said: “Tannadice is a ground that I always enjoyed going to and I have a decent record there with the clubs I have been at.
“I am sure that record will be tested on Sunday but it is an exciting test.
“Going to face a full-time club at this stage of the season is difficult especially when it is one that is gearing itself up to get to the Premiership, however it is a great game to have.
“Ray McKinnon has put together a decent squad and they will go for it in the Championship especially as there is no Hearts, Hibs or Rangers in the Championship this season.”
Brown added: “They have a lot of strength in attack and they will come out and have a go at this from the first whistle.
“We therefore have to be supremely well-organised in defence with everyone else lending great support.
“We have worked on it this week and hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves.”
The Central Park side head to Dundee having won their only game in the Betfred Group so far, with Buckie Thistle seen off 4-2 last weekend.
Brown added: “We did OK in that game as Buckie are no one’s mugs. The Cowdenbeath players showed a lot of enthusiasm and a real will to win which is great as they are a new group.”