Forget Tony, United strong all over park

FORMER Dundee star Gary Harkins has been impressed with the rebuilding of Dundee United since the arrival of Ray McKinnon in the summer.

Commonly known as ‘Jeebs’, the attacking midfielder knows his new team Ayr will have their work cut out as they look to beat the Tannadice outfit on Saturday.

As the Tangerines travel to Somerset Park, Gary has handed out some words of praise for his oncefiercest rivals.

“They have a really good squad and Ray has done very well to put it together in such a short space of time.

“They play some good football and have excellent attacking players, who have added goals to the team.”

The 31-year-old has watched and admired the performances of Tony Andreu since his arrival on loan from Norwich and thinks he is a good acquisition for the Tayside club.

“Tony has been a great signing for them, especially getting him up the road from Norwich.”

Although recognising his talent, Harkins says there will be no special attention put to Andreu.

“I don’t think we will single out anybody. If you concentrate on one player too much, then you leave yourself open in other areas.

“We have to get close to all of them and, once Tony gets around the box, we must make sure he doesn’t get any shots off.”

On Saturday, Ayr will come up against the second meanest defence in the league, and Jeebs believes a lot of it is down to another summer signing in William Edjenguele.

He also paid tribute to former team-mate Lewis Toshney, who returned to the Tangerines line-up in the victory against Hibs last Friday

Harkins said: “I think Edjenguele has come in and made them a lot better at the back.

“They have Tosher back as well, so they are looking strong in defence.”

United’s great result against Hibs on Friday makes Gary think their game against them could be difficult to predict.