United boss hails Siegrist’s display in win over Staggies

Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson has praised keeper Benjamin Siegrist for helping to calm any nerves in their victory over Ross County.

The Swiss goalie made a habit of leaping off his line to confidently clutch nearly every cross the Staggies fired into the United box as the visitors defended their 1-0 lead at the Global Energy Stadium on Saturday.

A massive roar went up from the away end every time Siegrist grabbed the ball out of the air.

As well as his assured handling, the 26-year-old also chipped in with several excellent saves at crucial times as the home team desperately tried to cancel out Paul Watson’s 15th-minute strike for the Tangerines.

There can be nothing more frustrating for opposition players, management and supporters than to see their rivals’ number one nullify the threat from cross balls.

It was no wonder, then, that Neilson was happy to highlight the contribution of the former Switzerland under-21 international.

The Tannadice boss said: “See when Benjamin came out with a minute to go and he plucked the cross out of the air, that was as good as a goal.

“It just took the whole pressure off us and they (County) knew they couldn’t deliver balls into that area any more.

“If a keeper comes out and flaps at the ball or stays on his line then the other team get a lift and your back four starts panicking.

“So for him to come and do that was absolutely great.”

United are awaiting news on the hamstring injury suffered by skipper Fraser Fyvie on Saturday.

The midfielder, who came off after 64 minutes of the County game clutching the back of his left leg, was due to have a scan.

Neilson said: “If it’s a grade one injury (the least amount of damage) then he could be back for Alloa next Tuesday because we have 10 days between games.”

Meanwhile, Tannadice chairman Mike Martin has confirmed he will back Neilson in the January transfer window if the manager decides he needs it.

Martin said: “Robbie is very pleased with the current squad and has stated as much publicly.

“We are very pleased with the way things are going and want to help Robbie where we can.”