Mellon’s delight as Chalmers and Shanks shine
Micky Mellon hailed Lawrence Shankland as “Scotland’s No. 9” after his first Premiership goal put Dundee United on the road to victory over St Mirren.
But the Tangerines boss also lavished praise on emerging star Logan Chalmers after the wide man’s quick feet dazzled Saints into submission.
Shankland notched a stunning first-half strike on his return from injury then turned in a secondhalf showing full of vision and technique, which chimed perfectly with Chalmers’ trickery.
For United’s boss, they were the difference as his side moved up the Premiership table.
“You didn’t hear me bleating about not having Scotland’s No. 9 available because I think that’s an easy out for managers at times,” said Mellon.
“I believed I had a lot of quality here and we could get results – but you saw today how those players get you goals.
“They score goals like that and put in performances like that – and it’s the difference.
“It wasn’t all about Lawrence, though, as we did a lot of pleasing things in the game.
“We gave away a soft goal but we saw our jobs through, won the headers, cleared our lines and did all we needed to do.
“I thought Logan Chalmers was outstanding.
“You show me a better performance from a young Scottish player and
I’ll be delighted because it means we have two of them.
“I’d be delighted to think Scotland has two of them.
“We talk about the talent in Scottish football and I’m just delighted he plays for Dundee United.”
Shankland himself was understandably buzzing to open his Premiership account.
He said: “First and foremost it was a great win for us. We knew it was an important game.
“But on a personal note I’m delighted to get off the mark and get my first goal this season.
“It was worth waiting on, to be honest. If it’s going to go in like that, it’s worth waiting on.
“I knew I would get my first Premiership goal – it just helps if you’re playing in the league every week!
“I knew it would come eventually. I backed myself. I’ve got that belief and I had a feeling I’d get one today.”
St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin, meanwhile, cut a disappointed figure at full-time.
“It’s a sore one. A very frustrating afternoon from our point of view.
“I think anybody watching the game would admit that we were the better team in the first half.
“Unfortunately, again, which is our Achilles heel at the moment, we’ve conceded from a corner.
“It’s something that, as manager, I’m going to have to have a look at and try to sort.”