Carson backed to push Siegrist for gloves

Mark Connolly has backed the “outstanding” Trevor Carson to challenge fans’ favourite Benji Siegrist for the No 1 spot at Dundee United.

Carson has taken over the gloves from injured Siegrist and kept three clean sheets in his last four games – including Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win in Estonia.

Swiss star Siegrist is back in full training ahead of Sunday’s Dundee derby to provide United boss Tam Courts with a selection headache.

Dundee boss James McPake cranked up the derby mind games – insisting he’s glad he doesn’t have to make the call between Carson and Siegrist.

But Connolly believes United’s future is in safe hands, no matter who starts on Sunday.

“I’ve played against Trevor Carson in England and up here,” said United defender Connolly.

“He’s an outstanding goalkeeper. When we were signing him I thought it was a brilliant signing.

“Unfortunately, Benji is injured but when you have someone like Trevor Carson to step in then it’s no bad thing.”

Connolly believes Dundee United have recruited exceptionally well in the summer.

United boss Tam Courts has added four international quality players to his squad.

Northern Ireland star Carson, former Scotland skipper Charlie Mulgrew, Wales midfielder Dylan Levitt and Finland winger Ilmari Niskanen have all moved to Tannadice.

Connolly added: “The signings have been outstanding. We have a lot of international players and a lot on the edge of international football.

“The club is in really good hands. They’ve got the right people involved.”