The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Connolly could return for Dens derby clash
UNITED: Irish defender to feature in reserve game tonight after injury lay-off
Dundee United defender Mark Connolly is in contention for a start in the derby after returning from long-term injury.
The Irishman came on as a substitute for the final few minutes of the Tangerines’ terrific 3-0 win up in Inverness on Saturday, thus putting his hamstring problem behind him.
If he does get the nod for Friday night’s all-city clash against Dundee at Dens, it will be his first starting appearance since United’s 6-2 hammering of their neighbours on August 30.
Connolly’s availability gives manager Robbie Neilson a bit of a selection headache, with United’s defence having recorded three straight clean sheets and Paul Watson being a stand-out at the back against ICT.
However, it is one that Neilson is happy to have.
He said: “We are really pleased to have Mark back because he is a big player for us.
“We made the decision to take him up to Inverness with us and then were able to give him a run-out.
“He will play in the reserves on Tuesday (against Dunfermline) and then keep training, so he will be in contention for the derby.
“Getting him back fit again is massive, both on and off the park, because you want as many leaders as you can around the place.
“Mark is one of the big characters we have, along with the likes of Mark Reynolds and Calum Butcher.
“When you have a lot of young players like we do it is important to have experience in there to help them out.
“When he got injured in the last derby we didn’t expect him to be out so long, but he’s fit again now and we’re delighted to have him.”
Neilson will be eagerly awaiting today’s Scotland squad announcement for the forthcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan, even though it will probably mean he will lose star man Lawrence Shankland for the home game against Queen of the South on November 16.
The Scots will be playing in the Cypriot sunshine that day and Shankland is likely to be with them but Neilson is still cheering his player on as he establishes himself as an international player.
The United gaffer said: “I hope Lawrence is in it and I think he will be.
“It would be a hindrance for us because it means he will miss the Queen of the South game but you want your players involved at the highest level.
“Lawrence did enough in the last (Scotland) game – and with us since – to deserve another call-up.
“It would be great for him if he does get called up again.”
Meanwhile, United have sold out their derby ticket allocation.
Tickets are still available for the club’s Hegarty Suite TV screening event, priced at £10 per person, and a few places remain available at hospitality, priced at £150 per person.