Tony’s genius involves lots of hard work

IT’S getting to that time when thoughts turn to player-of-the-year awards and when the voting takes place in the Championship, there is little doubt Tony Andreu’s name will feature heavily in the ballot.

Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon’s capture of the Frenchman on a season-long loan from Norwich City has to rank as one of the best pieces of business done anywhere in Scotland over the past 12 months.

The 28-year-old’s stunning finish for what turned out to be the winner in Saturday night’s Irn-Bru Cup semi-final at Queen of the South was his 14th goal in 23 appearances.

That stat alone makes him one of the main contenders for the end-ofseason prize but the build up to that strike was evidence of how much more he brings to McKinnon’s side.

It was Andreu’s clever and precise flick from a Sean Dillon pass out of defence that released Simon Murray on the right flank.

And rather than stand back and admire his work, he raced forward to make himself available on the edge of the penalty box and, when the ball was cut back to him, his first-time shot that sent the ball into the back of the net was top drawer.

Eye-catching as that was, it was just one aspect of an overall excellent performance that deservedly earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.

It wasn’t his first and it’s not just the match sponsors who decide these prizes who appreciate what the former Hamilton Accies man is capable for.

Repeatedly this season his manager has highlighted his contribution — and his team-mates are no different.

Just as with McKinnon, their praise features mention of his work that’s often lacking in creative players.

Because, what often goes unnoticed about Andreu is his willingness to graft hard for the team and not just come to life when he has the ball. Club captain Sean Dillon is one who appreciates that.

“Tony is a clever player and he