YOUTHCHIEFCONFIDENTAPPEREWILLGETBACKONTRACK

It’s not quite gone to plan this season for Tannadice youngster Louis Appere, but Dundee United youth supremo Brian Grant says they are doing everything they can to get him back on track.

Appere enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last term as he racked up 33 appearances, scored six goals and made a significant contribution overall to United’s Championship success.

The 21-year-old attacker has found first-team opportunities hard to come by under new boss Micky Mellon this time out, largely having to make do with starting on the bench.

Grant, head of player pathway and loans manager at the club, insists part of the problem for Appere and others his age is making the step up to Premiership football.

United’s academy chief believes Appere could be suffering from “second season syndrome”, but says he will come good in time.

“Louis falls in that category of those aged 17 to 22 where we’re trying to get them developed properly,” Grant said.

“We speak to Louis on a regular basis to see how he’s feeling and it’s just unfortunate he’s not had the same level of impact as he did last season.

“You’re going into a different league, playing against better quality defences and it’s more unforgiving.

“It’s a step up and you sometimes find with young players they get a second season syndrome as well.

“Louis had a fantastic year last term where he impacted games with goals and assists, but this year he’s found it’s not come as easy for him.

“It’s not for lack of work or effort, it’s luck, opportunity and playing a slightly higher level. It will come for him, though.”