‘Outstanding’ Stanton earns praise despite being unable to train

Tangerines boss reveals on-loan midfielder is having to manage knee problem

Dundee United midfielder Sam Stanton has been praised for starring for his side despite being unable to train.

Stanton, who is at Tannadice on a year’s loan from Hibs, has been a standout performer for the league-leading Tangerines as they have made it three wins out of three in the Championship.

Manager Ray McKinnon has revealed that Stanton’s displays have been all the more commendable given the fact that he has had no time at all on the training pitch because of an inflamed knee.

It is not a new injury. The player has learned to live with it and it won’t stop Stanton’s name being one of the first on McKinnon’s teamsheet for the game against St Mirren in Paisley tomorrow.

What the United boss has to ensure in his management of the player, though, is that the problem does not get any worse.

McKinnon said: “Sam has not been training because he has a knee problem.

“Indeed, he has missed the last three weeks of training, just playing the games. “He goes to the gym instead. “There is a bit of inflammation on the knee.

“It is nothing too bad and we just have to manage it and make sure it doesn’t get worse.

“It is not ideal but he has been outstanding for us, he really has.

“We have played him as a 10, wide and as a midfielder and he has been great everywhere.

“You couldn’t tell that he hasn’t had the training because every time we have done the fitness analysis he has been one of the best.

“It is difficult for a player to not train and then go out and perform in a match.

“After Saturday, though, the good thing is that Sam will get a rest because of the international break.”

Picture: SNS Group. Sam Stanton: played starring roles in a number of positions for United.