DUFC

CARSON TO FACE THE DONS

13th August 2001

New signing Stephen Carson was handed a further oppurtunity to top-up his match fitness on Monday when he was pencilled-in for a specially-arranged closed-door affair with Aberdeen.

Having watched United's single goal victory in Perth on Saturday from the bench, the ex-Rangers winger is keeping his fingers crossed for a top team debut against Dunfermline this weekend but while boss Alex Smith is at this stage uncertain as to whether his latest capture will be ready to face the Pars, he is not unduly concerned that Carson missed some pre-season training this summer.

"Stephen needs to sharpen up a bit, but he's a strong lad and I know he's not far away from being handed a starting jersey, " he said.

Comeback man Stephen Wright was also on the teamshhet for the Dons friendly, but Jamie Fullarton was advised to sit it out until he fully recovers from his groin strain. "Jamie will return to action only when we are sure he's completely ok," added the manager.

On the plus side for United, although one or two slight knocks were picked up, no particular injury concerns have emerged from the weekend win over St Johnstone.