Micky hopes talisman is back for Celts
by SCOTT BURNS
MICKY MELLON knows just why Lawrence Shankland is a man in demand – and it’s why he hopes the striker will be fit for a crack at Celtic.
French side Guingamp have made an enquiry for the Dundee United star through an agent but there has been no direct contact.
Tannadice boss Mellon knows Shanks’ goals will mean he is on the radar of more clubs.
He is delighted to have him in his squad and prays he can overcome the ankle injury that has sidelined him since the opening-day draw with St Johnstone to try to shoot down the champs.
Mellon said: “I do think it’s quite good that players get linked because that means they are good players but we have had zero contact.”
Shankland has returned to training and if there is no reaction to his injury he will be available when the Hoops come calling tomorrow.
Mellon added: “It’s just a day-to-day thing at the minute.
“It is one of those injuries that came on out of the blue but he’s improving every day.
“So we’re hopeful we see some more improvement as we get closer to the weekend.
“We’ve had time to recover and we should have people back for the Celtic game.”
Defender Ryan Edwards is unlikely to one of them but Mellon is more hopeful about the likes of Jamie Robson, Liam Smith and Paul McMullan making it.
Mellon is also looking to add to his squad with Ipswich Town striker James Norwood a top target along with a winger.
The United boss admitted: “If we believe there is someone who will come in and make us better we would try to do that but I would never speak about somebody else’s player.
“I would wait until it was respectful to them because I would expect them to be that way with us.”
United have taken seven points from their first four games but Mellon expects Neil Lennon’s champs to be the ultimate test for his Premiership new boys.
The ex-Tranmere boss added: “When you play the champions in any country you know it will be a big challenge but it’s something you want to be involved in and get excited about.
“It gives us a chance to see where we are as a club and go attack it.
“We believe that we can make a positive impact, that’s what we’re in the Premiership for.
“The size of this club, that’s what we should be doing – that’s what the fans and the owners expect.
“We will be trying to find a way to make it difficult for Celtic and we have to make sure that we do things right to give ourselves a bigger chance.
“But we’ll have no fear and give it a go.”