McKinnon demands better from United

Boss wants to see pace upped by his side when Dumbarton visit Tannadice this weekend

“I am expecting a big improvement, especially in respect of the pace the game is played at. RAY MCKINNON

Dundee United manager Ray McKinnon is demanding that his players up their game considerably when they host Dumbarton.

The Tangerines signed off for the international break in the league schedule with a dismal display away to St Mirren as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat.

Now they have the chance to restore some confidence and belief when they meet the Sons at Tannadice on Saturday.

That won’t be a walkover, however, as United found out to their cost when they lost twice and drew once against Dumbarton last season.

However the Tangerines boss wants to see his players get their promotion push back on track after falling from first to fourth place in the Championship following that flop in Paisley.

McKinnon said: “I am expecting a big improvement, especially in respect of the pace the game is played at.

“The players are getting fitter and it’s about getting at Dumbarton.

“Teams do come and sit in against us and even Alloa did that on Saturday.

“You only have to look at how Malta sat in against Scotland on Monday night to see it’s not easy to play against that.

“When you have to be the offensive team all the time and create numerous chances all the time then it’s tough but I’m expecting better from us.”

Striker Patrick N’Koyi, whose penalty got a sluggish United shadow side up and running against Alloa in the IrnBru Cup last weekend, is in serious contention for a first-team start against the Sons. McKinnon said: “I think he is close. “He might play on Saturday in a two (man attack).

“If not then we will definitely get him in the team at some point.

“He is much fitter now and is strong, with a languid running style.

“I think he will get his chance sooner rather than later.”

Also, McKinnon revealed that injured defender Tam Scobbie is making good progress.

He added: “Tam has actually been doing really well and was jogging the other day.

“We are going to take our time with him, though, and he could be back around four weeks from now, which would be incredible.”

Picture: SNS Group. Patrick N’Koyi scores from the spot against Alloa last week and is under consideration for a starting spot in McKinnon’s team to face Dumbarton on Saturday.