Boosting attack is main aim for Courts

Tam Courts has insisted Dundee United are intent on bolstering their options in the final third during the January transfer window.

The Tangerines have already agreed a precontract with Motherwell striker Tony Watt but it remains to be seen whether he will make the move to Tannadice next month or at the end of the season.

United have scored just 16 goals in 20 Premiership matches this season, with only St Johnstone scoring fewer.

Summer signing Marc Mcnulty has been injured since September and that has limited Courts’ options up front this term.

The United head coach said: “Recruitment in January will be similar to the summer.

“It will either be recruit to replace or bringing in support in key areas, like the top end of the pitch.

“We have been having all the meetings to discuss the way forward and what we are looking for.

“I feel confident we will get the support we need.

“If any of the bigger name players do end up being sold, I am confident we have the back-ups in place to get through that.

“But I am confident in forecasting that nobody we don’t want to leave will go in January.

“We know our players will be of interest to other clubs; there is always an open dialogue with the players.

“The guys are committed to the club, they enjoy being here and are on board with what we’re trying to do.

“They are not two players I expect to leave but I know they are likely to be of interest to other teams when the window opens.

“Clubs may want to pay a substantial fee for them, we will just have to wait and see.

“We are trying to do a number of different things, giving young players their chance but also having that clarity about who we want to bring in.

“We want someone at the top end of the pitch to excite the fans, really help the team and maybe add a different type of profile up there.

“We have goalscorers in the building. Nicky Clark and Marc Mcnulty are proven at this level.

“But I think another proven scorer, either for*

January or at the end of the season, I would certainly be open to that.”

Courts has always been keen to give United youngsters an opportunity but he has challenged their current crop to stake their claim in the first team in the coming 12 months.

The likes of Kerr Smith, Archie Meekison and Chris Mochrie have had a taste of Premiership action already this season but Courts is looking for more from the teenagers.

He said: “It’s going to be a big year for the young players in the squad.

“In a lot of ways, getting into it and making the breakthrough is the easiest bit – it’s staying there now that will challenge them.

“The ones who played against Rangers and Hibs have had quite a big breakthrough.

“They know they have the talent to do it here, but the reality is now they have to do it every day.

“They have to be very targeted on whose position they’re after and every single day in training they have to provide competition.

“Once they get their chances they have to react positively to that.”