AUSSIE BOSS IS PREDICTING A CLOSE FINISH TO TITLE RACE

pretty close. I could be way out of line because, historically, there has been dominance one way or the other, but that is the way I see it.

‘It is a tight league with a number of teams fighting for positions. Every game in the league is a challenge. I think it will be exciting.

‘You don’t go into any game thinking the opposition are not going to be hard at it and working really hard irrespective of where there are in terms of positions on the ladder.

‘I have got through the first three months, so I reckon I am in good shape for what is ahead. I am looking forward to it.’

Postecoglou was boosted by Callum McGregor signing a new five-year deal on Friday but will remain without the captain due to a hamstring injury for today’s match against United.

The manager has been frustrated by injuries to key players, with Giorgos Giakoumakis, Kyogo Furuhashi and James Forrest among others joining McGregor on the sidelines.

Postecoglou has been forced to expand his options and has handed game time to academy graduate Adam Montgomery, who has made 10 appearances this season — the latest being in Thursday’s routine 3-0 victory over Raith Rovers in the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup.

Hailing the teenage left-back, Postecoglou said: ‘Look, in terms of contracts, we kind of leave that in the background. What is important for young players like Adam is that they continue on the path that they have started.

‘He has done awfully well so far. Against Raith Rovers, we had two 19-years-olds in the team because you forget that Liel Abada is only 19 as well.

‘Part of what we are trying to build is to give opportunities to young players and particularly to young players who come through the ranks here.

‘Adam is one of those and he has done really well so far. He is a good kid, he has got his head down and he knows what he needs to do to continue on his trajectory.’