Young United attacker could miss Perth trip

Dundee United face an injury worry over forward Logan Chalmers after he left Tannadice on crutches on Saturday.

The 20-year-old attacker is thought to have an ankle injury which could, potentially, keep him out of Saturday’s trip to face St Johnstone after hurting himself in the goal-less draw with Aberdeen.

C halmers, just on as a substitute, pulled up after racing through on goal to see the chance of the game denied superbly by Dons keeper Joe Lewis.

The youngster struggled through the remaining 10 minutes or so of the Premiership stalemate but left the stadium hobbling on crutches after seemingly tweaking his left ankle as he bore down on goal.

The United academy graduate has been in top form in this his breakthrough season, playing a huge part in all of the Tangerines league games, so far, and making his Scotland U21 debut against San Marino earlier in the month.

He injected some life into a stagnant Terrors side at the weekend and boss Micky Mellon will be hoping he can call on the young Dundonian in Perth.

It is thought his injury isn’t too serious but Tannadice chiefs will be erring on the side of caution as they return to training today.

Raith Rovers hope manager John McGlynn will be back in the dugout for this weekend’s trip to face Queen of the South.

The Stark’s Park boss has been absent for the last fortnight since feeling unwell in the build-up to the opening competitive fixture against East Fife in the Betfred Cup on October 10.

The former Hearts and Livingston boss was subsequently told he needed a gallbladder operation and underwent surgery last Sunday.

With that procedure delayed by 48 hours from its original date, plans for McGlynn to return in time for Saturday ’s Championship curtainraiser against Arbroath had to be shelved.

However, after missing the impressive 3-0 victory, it is anticipated the 58-year-old should return to work later this week.

In his absence, assistant Paul Smith has been liaising regularly with McGlynn, who has been recuperating at home since leaving hospital last Monday.

Smith said :“John thought earlier in the week he might make Saturday’s game but it just came too soon for him. But he’s certainly feeling a bit better and hopefully the result will help him.

“Hopefully we’ ll see him back at some point this week. But, as we said last week, the most important thing is John’s health.

“He certainly is recovering well and we’ll see how the week goes.”

● Dunfermline boss Stevie Crawford has praised Fraser Murray for his reaction to being dropped at the weekend.

The on-loan Hibs midfielder scored a double in the 3-0 victory over Kilmarnock in the Betfred Cup last Tuesday, only to find himself out of the team for the Championship opener on Saturday.

The 21- year-old’ s second against Killie was an early contender for goal of the season, smashing an incredible free- kick into the top corner from 35 yards out.

But, with Crawford making three changes, Murray had to make do with a substitute’s role in the 3 -1 victory over Inverness Caley Thistle.

Crawford explained: “Fraser Murray was excellent during the week for us. It was nothing to do with his performance levels and I explained that to Fraser.

“Naturally he will have been disappointed that he didn’t start but Ryan Dow didn’t start against Kilmarnock. We will manage people’ s game-time.

“What the players realise is that we want to win games of football and I think when there is belief in that and that is the reason, it will hurt them but they will understand.

“When Fraser came on he didn’t look as if he was petulant or disappointed. He came on and contributed to the win and that is all I can ask.”

John McGlynn: Underwent surgery.