Courts backs striker to be derby hero
Dundee United manager Tam Courts believes Marc Mcnulty will bounce back from his glaring miss against St Mirren to net in next week’s derby.
The former Hibs striker failed to hit the target with only the goalkeeper to beat after springing Saints’ offside trap.
It proved a costly miss as United ended up having to settle for a draw in a match that they really ought to have taken full points from.
But Courts reckoned there would be no lingering effect on Mcnulty and expects him to prove a point against Dundee next weekend.
He said: “That’s the life and times of a number nine striker.
“He is a guy of high quality. I’m sure he’s had and missed chances like that before and if he was running through on goal one-on-one next week that’s the guy I would want to do that.
“This is a guy of international pedigree. He is a quality striker.
“He probably had a bit of a disjointed pre-season as well, so probably still seeking match fitness.”
However, Courts was happy the opportunities were there to be missed.
“Our problem historically was actually creating the chances so to actually come off and see four or five really good goalscoring chances gives me a lot of hope moving forward to next week’s derby game,” he continued.
“I think a lot of the chances that we created today were chances we rehearsed during the week. So to see us not be able to take them was obviously a frustration for the players and me.
“I think we could’ve had a breakthrough today if we actually scored the three or four goals our play was entitled to but, unfortunately, we’ve had to take a point. It’s a clean sheet and we move forward.”
United lost Liam Smith to an injury late in the first half but Courts hoped it wouldn’t keep the defender out for too long.
“I think he’s a little bit tender just now so usually after games we don’t go seeking early prognosis, we just allow things to settle down.
“But he’s a tough character and I’m sure he’ll be well looked after and will try and get himself available for next week.”