Ross wary of ‘tough’ draw against Dutch or Bosnians

JACK ROSS has admitted that Dundee United face a daunting Europa Conference League third round qualifier.

The Tannadice side will face either Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar or Tuzla City of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Alkmaar will be huge favourites to progress and United will send scouts to the first leg between the sides this Thursday in the Netherlands.

United haven’t played in Europe since the 2012/13 season when they were knocked out of the Europa League by Dynamo Moscow. Alkmaar, by comparison, reached the last 16 of last season’s Conference League.

Ross said: “I think we knew the likelihood that we would face a tough opposition, due to being unseeded. When you look at the calibre of teams who are seeded and aiming to make it through to the group stage, the standard is very high. And AZ are certainly a team with a strong European pedigree.

“Without a doubt, the upside is definitely that drawing a team from the Netherlands is not too far to go.

“It’s also important to touch on what this draw does for the supporters. If AZ progress from their tie, then this is probably the best-case scenario for them in terms of travelling in their numbers. So, there is potential for a really tough tie but, equally, a really good tie for the club and its supporters. It’s exciting to be part of the draw.

“But it’s also about wanting to stay in this competition for as long as possible — irrespective of the calibre of opposition we face.”

United have made just three signings so far this summer. Dylan Levitt, Steven Fletcher and Craig Sibbald have added some much needed depth to Ross’s squad. But the United boss is keen to get more bodies in. He said: “Truth be told, we have a lot of work to do prior to that game, and that would have been the case whoever we drew.

“This has captured the fans’ imagination but, for me, we have pre-season to complete first and foremost. That continues with Fleetwood on Saturday and then we have the league opener at Kilmarnock.

“But regardless of the draw, I think we’ve a bit of work to do to ensure we are as strong as we can be.”