Graham has ‘every right to be angry’ after difficult decision

JIM Goodwin accepts that Dundee United defender Ross Graham has “every right to be angry” after being dropped from the Tangerines’ line-up on Saturday.

Graham, 23, was in a rich vein of form prior to the visit of Queen’s Park, turning in particularly good showings against Inverness, Ayr United and Raith Rovers.

However, Goodwin made the decision to restore Declan Gallagher to the side following his recovery from groin surgery, with the Terrors’ gaffer acknowledging that it was tough to break the news to Graham.

“It was a difficult conversation for me to have with Ross (Graham) on Friday,” said Goodwin.

“He’s got every right to be angry and disappointed – but Declan Gallagher and Kevin Holt, for me, were the best centre-half pairing in the league until Declan’s injury.

“Ross did not come out of our team because of poor performances.

“Anything but. He has been excellent and consistent. He can feel disappointed.

“But he understands the reasoning behind my decision. As manager, you’ll only ever satisfy 11 players.”

Gallagher was predictably solid as United claimed a comfortable 3-1 win over Queen’s Park, winning everything in the air, making several interceptions and using the ball sensibly.

And Goodwin is keen to emphasise that the quality and experience of Scotland international Gallagher, rather than any fault of Graham’s, is the reason for the alteration.

“Ross has been playing on that right side and is a more naturally leftsided player,” continued Goodwin, whose side host Airdrieonians this evening.

“Gallagher gives us more balance.”

Ross Graham was dropped from Saturday’s line-up.