Kawashima In Squad for Dens

With international clearance now received, Dundee United Head Coach Mixu Paatelainen today confirmed that Japan internationalist Eiji Kawashima would be in the squad for Saturday’s fixture versus Dundee at Dens. Speaking to ArabZONE.co.uk this morning, Mixu said, “All clearance is through and he will be part of the squad. He has trained with a team in Japan in the last few weeks and doing hard work with a goalkeeping coach but he hasn’t played in a match for quite a while. I am delighted that he is now here and can start working with his team mates. Asked whether the game would come too quickly for a potential debut, the Head Coach replied: “He will challenge for a starting place immediately. Once I speak to Eiji and find out his feelings on the matter. With his knowledge and experience he will know himself whether he is ready, whether the journey has had any impact etc. It is important that the player is comfortable. Then after I have seen him in training I will make my decision.” The match kicks off at 12.30pm on January 2, 2016 and anyone who has purchased tickets and has still to collect them must now uplift them from the Dens ticket office on the day of the game.