Absence of Gallagher alters transfer plans

Jim Goodwin admits he may be forced to rethink his January transfer plans after Dundee United centreback Declan Gallagher underwent surgery to remedy a persistent groin complaint.

Gallagher, 32, is likely to be missing for around a month after going under the knife yesterday.

The news comes as a hammer blow to the Tangerines, given his outstanding defensive partnership with Kevin Holt.

Ross Graham will deputise when United face Inverness tonight.

“Declan Gallagher went in for surgery on Thursday to sort a groin issue,” confirmed Goodwin.

“Gall could potentially be out for three or four weeks.”

He added: “It could potentially change our transfer plans, yes.

“The job of the manager is to suss it all out and there’s plenty of time left in the window.

“At the moment, no one jumps out who would improve us. We’ll wait to see what happens over the next few weeks.”

That desire to recruit a defender is exacerbated by Goodwin’s admission that a Tannadice exit would be “the best-case scenario” for on-loan Cardiff City kid Ollie Denham.

The Wales under-21 international has not played a competitive minute for the Terrors since enduring testing outings against Spartans and Partick Thistle in the Viaplay Cup last July.

“Ollie is frustrated,” continued Goodwin. “It was never our intention to bring him up from Cardiff and have him sitting on the bench.

“He had a difficult start – he’s honest enough to admit that – in team performances that weren’t great from us, as a whole.

“Then Declan Gallagher became available. Having worked with him in the past and knowing the sort of character he is – and how good a player he is, especially at this level – it was a no-brainer.

“I think that was the right call to make when you look at how well Declan and Kevin Holt have played together. Ollie hasn’t been able to get back into the team, purely because of how well they have done.

“We’ve had dialogue with Cardiff and the agent and I’ve been up front with Ollie about it; I don’t want to hinder his development. So, if he can find some regular game-time somewhere, that would be the bestcase scenario.”

While Goodwin considers his back-line jigsaw, he will also have a huge decision to make at the top end of the pitch tonight as Louis Moult “gradually” recovers from a hamstring complaint.

The pivotal striker was forced off at half-time against Morton, mere minutes after levelling the score at 2-2.

Despite Goodwin’s hopes that the issue would swiftly subside, Moult remains touch-and-go.

And, given United have 15 days without a match after their trip north – and can call upon new striker Alex Greive – the smart money would seem to be Goodwin erring on the side of caution.

He added: “We’ve got a decision to make on Louis for the squad.

“It (hamstring) wasn’t great when he came off on Saturday. We hoped it would clear up in its own time over a few days and, although the improvement has been gradual, it’s been slow.

“We’ll make a decision whether the risk is worth taking.”

Meanwhile, Archie Meekison will make his long-awaited return to the United squad following more than three months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The 21-year-old’s comeback is a timely one, given Ross Docherty’s absence and suspension to Craig Sibbald.

Goodwin added: “In an ideal world, you’d probably arrange a bounce game during the off-season and get guys like Archie some valuable minutes within that.

“We don’t have that luxury at the moment, given the current situation. He’ll be part of the squad on Friday and how many minutes he gets will depend on how the game’s going.”

Declan Gallagher is sidelined for about a month.