Mellon excited for kids

Dundee United boss Micky Mellon has praised his “infectious” kids after their 2-2 draw with Motherwell last night.

Although they blew a twogoal lead as second-half strikes from Christopher Long and Devante Cole earned the Steelmen a point, United’s youngsters impressed at Tannadice.

Winger Logan Chalmers, 21, assisted both Lawrence Shankland and fellow-fledgling Archie Meekison, 19, who notched on his full debut for the Terrors.

The Tangerines were left ruing Shankland’s missed penalty in the opening period of their final home game of the season, an opportunity won by Louis Appere.

Sixteen-year-old centre-half Kerr Smith also played the full 90 minutes.

Mellon praised the “bravery” and “quality” of his young stars despite Cole’s lastminute equaliser snatching the Steelmen a share of the spoils.

“Archie is a terrific little player who has trained with us most of the season – so has Kerr,” he said.

“If they’re talented, we will give them the opportunity to play.

“It was about giving them an opportunity and I loved their enthusiasm. It was infectious. I loved the way they took the ball and played will bravery and quality.

“He scored an unbelievable goal, little Archie, and it was also a great performance from Logan as well.

“He’s of an age now where he needs to understand he needs to stand up and come into things.

“They need to be our next option for moving the team forward.

“I thought young Kerr Smith was also outstanding at the back. How good was he for a 16-year-old?

“It was a positive night but disappointing we didn’t close it out.

“Part of our development going forward has to be seeing those type of games out and getting the result.”

It was Chalmers’ first start after coming back from an ankle injury and Mellon was particularly delighted with his impact.

He laid down the gauntlet to the star – challenging him to step it up next term.

“I have been crying out for that kind of width all season and that kind of impact,” he added.

“Logan gives you that extra ball carrying and helps us move up the pitch.

“He’s of an age now where he’s got to step up, handle that expectation and go and deliver on it every week... it gives us the opportunity to go and play... for large spells”.