Terrors coach calls for high standards

Adam Asghar is adamant Dundee United’s talented teenagers must “keep up” with soaring standards at Tannadice.

Asghar, who joined Tam Courts’ coaching staff at the start of the season following a successful stint in the United academy, beams with pride as he reflects on the 16 homegrown talents who featured for the senior side this term.

The club smashed its own record for youngestever debutant twice, with Craig Moore starting against Rangers at the age of 16 before being usurped by Rory Macleod two months later.

In Ross Graham, United have also produced a graduate who has enjoyed a sustained run in the side – as well as earning a Scotland Under-21s call-up and nomination for Scottish Football Writers’ Association young player of the year.

While United have made no secret of their plan to blood youngsters as part of a wider strategy for footballing and financial success, Asghar contends that no one gets an opportunity unless they earn it.

“The headline of 16 academy graduates is great,” said Asghar.

“It’s something we are immensely proud of, but we also want them to play regularly and influence the team for a sustained period of time.

“Ross Graham is an example of that; sustainable first-team appearances.

“That is what we all want to see.

“As this club enjoys success and there is increased demand for better recruitment and higher calibre of player, the young players are going to have to keep up. That’s the challenge.”

One suspects that is a challenge they will relish.

Perhaps the most noticeable thing about United’s generation of youngsters is the healthy swagger they possess.

From Moore’s fearless showing at Ibrox, to Macleod rattling the post against Celtic, to Archie Meekison’s composure in possession; there is a healthy dose of bravado among the burgeoning group.

“You want them to know who they are, and express that,” Asghar continued.

“Confidence and borderline arrogance are key – as long as you are backing it up and making an impact. A lot of our young players have that.”

And their pathway is eased by familiar faces.

Courts and Asghar both worked within the club’s academy, while another youth coach Andy Payne helps them on an individual basis.

“We are having the same conversations as we had in the Under-18s,” continued Asghar.

“Nothing changes. They know the standards we set.

“The players in the firstteam will also set very high standards.”

All of which would ring rather hollow if United’s policy of mixing youth and experience had not paid dividends.

United are fresh from registering their highest Premiership finish since 2013-14 and will now participate in Europe for the first time in a decade.

Asghar is particularly content for Courts following a summer of scepticism and scorn when he was named United boss.

“It is very hard to stay away from the Twitter backlash and I’m delighted for the gaffer,” Asghar continued.

“He was a young manager embarking on his first opportunity to work in the Premiership and he just wanted the chance to do the job. And look at the job he’s done.”

TEAM: Adam Asghar, left, believes Tam Courts has silenced the sceptics after his first season as United manager.