Freeman earns deal as Passion shows

Kieran Freeman’s “passion for football” has been praised by Dundee United boss Tam Courts as the youngster penned a new deal until 2024.

Freeman has been outstanding for United this season after overcoming a three-year injury hell to nail down a regular starting slot.

The United academy graduate saw a dream move to English club Southampton turn sour as injury blighted his career from the age of 16 to 19.

But Courts believes the wing-back appreciates the game even more because of his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“I coached Kieran quite a bit last season in a different capacity at the club,” said Courts.

“This year we’ve seen a young, committed player that is looking for opportunities. He has been given one and has capitalised on that opportunity and making the position his own.

“As the season goes on you’d like to think we’d have some competition in that area of the pitch.

“But he has shown that he is more than capable of handling competition. He is well-equipped to handled Scottish Premiership football. It’s great that we’ve got the next part of his future tied down with the football club.

“The fans have really taken to him because there is an honest about the way he plays the game, there’s a passion towards the football club. There is also a realisation that all of this could have been snatched away from him because of injury.

“He’s a guy who really values what he’s got and he gives his all absolutely every day. It’s great to see him being rewarded with a new contract. We’ve seen that with some of our longer-term injuries too like Declan Glass.

“The thought of having the game taken away from them makes them return with a real burning desire to succeed.

“I need to feel a desire to get better and an appreciation of the size of club they are at.

“Those two players in particular – Declan Glass and Kieran Freeman – epitomise it every day.

“When you are a fulltime footballer it’s human instinct to take some things for granted. When you get your first contract or start training with the first team you think you are always going to be on an upward trajectory.

“If that gets cruelly snatched away with injuries... then it makes you reconnect with the game.

“These two players particularly show that with their energy and passion on the pitch.”

Archie Meekison meanwhile has extended his contract with United.

The teen star has put pen to paper on a two-year extension to his current Tannadice deal.

He is now committed to United until summer 2024.

Courier Sport revealed on Wednesday that Meekison, 19, and Freeman, 21, had reached agreement with the club on an extended stay.

Meekison’s new deal has now been confirmed by United – just hours after Freeman committed himself to the club for the same length of time.

After penning his agreement, Meekison told United’s official website: “I feel amazing to officially extend my stay at the club.

“The head coach has been amazing at speaking to me and telling me where he sees me in his plans.

“As a player it’s massively reassuring to know where you are.

“My injury at the start of the season set me back a bit but now I’m back and excited to get as many games as possible in the first team this season and build up that experience for me going forward.”

Courts added: “Archie is a really talented and intelligent player with a real passion for both Dundee United and for developing himself further as a player.

“Although he has been in and out of the squad, he’s always been in my thinking in regard to what squad I select each weekend.

“I’ve got real confidence that as he matures and continues his development there will be even more opportunities for him going forward.”

EARNED: Kieran Freeman and Archie Meekison, inset, have tied down their futures at Dundee United after penning new deals.

Tam Courts has given the United defender his backing.

Calum Butcher, right, was punished by the SFA.