Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Terrors gaffer Robbie hails front men for their scoring performances
DUNDEE United manager Robbie Neilson has hailed the recent performances of his front men in helping to fire them clear at the top of the table.
United have won seven in a row to move 10 points clear at the top of the Championship, with their latest victory a 2-1 success down at Morton.
Fit-again star man Lawrence Shankland and youngster Louis Appere got the goals in that one to cancel out a John Sutton header.
Appere’s goal came three days after he notched in a 2-1 success against Alloa – a game in which Nicky Clark got his fifth in six matches.
And boss Robbie praised all three, as well as the play of his midfield, for helping the Terrors to string together such an impressive run.
“Louis’ been great and I’ve been delighted with all the front players,” he said.
“Shanks has scored a load and Clarky has scored numerous goals, the same for Appere who is back among the goals.
“Sam Stanton and Ian Harkes have been getting forward well and they had to do that on Tuesday night without Paul McMullan, who has been one of the key assisters for us this season.”
Robbie reserved special praise for Scotland star Shankland as he returned to the fold for the first time since picking up a calf injury on international duty.
The 24-year-old showed great composure to net the winner at Cappielow for his fifth goal in as many games and 20th United strike of the season.
And the way he took it impressed Robbie.
He added: “He is a very good player and took his goal very well.
“He might have taken it early but he took a touch to settle himself then finished it well.”