Tangerines pay price for draw with a double blow

DUNDEE United’s share of the spoils at Hibs yesterday came at a cost with two key players possibly facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Lewis Toshney looks likely to be out for several weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in the 1-1 draw at Easter Road.

And goalkeeper Cammy Bell will also be out for a time because he is facing surgery tomorrow.

Toshney went down as he tried to reach a low cross from Frank van der Struijk and it was quickly clear he would be unable to continue.

He was immediately sent for an X-ray and, while the results showed no break, the news was not all good.

“At least there is no break but he has damaged the ligaments on both sides of the ankle, so he could be out for a while,” confirmed boss Ray McKinnon.

It’s another blow for the versatile Toshney who’s already suffered a broken nose that will require surgery at the end of the season and a knee injury during his, so far, short time as a United player.

And Bell looks like missing a few games as he gets an injury that’s been troubling him recently sorted out.

He is due to have groin surgery tomorrow and could be out for several weeks, though that will only be confirmed after he’s gone under the knife.

United’s draw in the capital came courtesy of a second-half equaliser from French defender William Edjenguele and, given the circumstances, Ray declared himself happy with the point.

McKinnon said: “We came here with a lot of injuries and no recognised midfielders. We had to chop and change our system, so I was pleased to get a draw.

“We had lots of players in positions they are not accustomed to. It was hard to get a team balance.

“In the first half we wasted a lot of counter-attacks.

“We could have done a lot better but we were great in the second half. We merited the draw, definitely.”

UNITED dedicate result to Mike Towell. See page 3.