McKinnon to change team for Buckie clash

Manager giving new squad game time

Ray McKinnon will tinker with his winning Dundee United team as he seeks to balance a desire to progress out of the Betfred Cup group stages with giving more of his new-look squad game time.

Loan keeper Harry Lewis is set to replace Deniz Mehmet, with other alterations also expected.

“We’re not going to throw Cammy (Bell) in so we’ll probably have a look at Harry on Wednesday,” said McKinnon, as he prepares for the trip to Buckie Thistle.

“We’ll probably change the team up a wee bit because we’re still trying to get 90 minutes into everybody.

“But we want to win it and we want to go into the Dundee game in the best shape we can. Because right after that it’s the start of the league season.

“It’s about progressing the fitness and the boys getting to know each other. It will be a different challenge for us at Buckie, which we’re looking forward to.”

On the subject of Bell, McKinnon insisted the arrival of two new keepers does not mean the former Rangers man is on his way out of Tannadice.

He has been linked with a return to Kilmarnock but McKinnon said: “I’ve had absolutely no contact. I’m delighted Cammy Bell is still my number one. He’s just working on a couple of things to get himself back in.”

Of the nine new players who featured against Raith Rovers in the opening day win, young midfielder Archie Thomas was the least well-known.

“He’s a lad we brought in from Southampton,” said McKinnon. “He’s just turned 18 and we signed him the other day.

“He’s a really talented boy who has been training with the first team.”

Meanwhile, the width winger Paul McMullan will give the team will add to McKinnon’s options.

Loan keeper Harry Lewis is set to replace Deniz Mehmet