Mackay-Steven must live with fans’ jeers, says Jackie

JACKIE McNAMARA last night insisted that Gary Mackay-Steven will need to maintain broad shoulders after a section of the Dundee United support booed the Celtic-bound winger’s appearance as a substitute at Tannadice.

Left on the bench to protect a slight groin strain, he was introduced in the immediate aftermath of United’s second goal in the 3-1 victory over Motherwell, but some of the cheers for Jaroslaw’s Fojut’s header gave way to jeers.

It was the 24-year-old’s first outing at Tannadice since signing a pre-contract agreement to join Celtic in the summer — and McNamara insists the player simply has to get on with it.

‘It’s part and parcel of the game,’ he said. ‘Gary will have to live with that. I thought it was kind of mixed anyway. Some were cheering, some were booing. They will do that if he misses a sitter anyway.’

Mackay-Steven’s omission was one of seven changes made by McNamara in the wake of the midweek draw at St Mirren. Midfielder Charlie Telfer, for whom United were recently ordered to pay Rangers £200,000, got United’s two other goals.

‘The first was a great strike and, with the second, he showed composure to side-foot it right in the corner,’ said McNamara.

‘They were two good finishes but I thought his all-round play was excellent. His movement, his intelligence and his passing.

‘He has settled in really well for such a young lad. He looks like an experienced player out there.’

United now lie within three points of second-placed Aberdeen, with the two clubs facing off in a League Cup semi-final next weekend.

Telfer said: ‘It was important to win, with Aberdeen drawing on Friday. Hopefully, we can push on and challenge for the title, and we’ll go into Saturday’s semi-final feeling confident.’