O’BRIEN’S DEBUT SET FOR BRECHIN

With Ronnie O'Brien's clearance having finally come through from Italy, the Juventus midfielder was pencilled-in to begin his loan spell with United in Thursday night's Forfarshire Cup tie at Brechin. Boss Alex Smith stated his intention to witness O'Brien's debut, despite his main focus at present falling on his international duties with the Scotland Under 21s squad. "I'm delighted that Ronnie is on board at last and I'll be taking temporary leave from the Under 21 set-up to head for United's game in Brechin," he said. The gaffer used his United connections to identify an ideal training facility for his young tartan troops. The Under 21 squad stepped-up preparations for Friday's clash with the Croatians in Perth by going through their paces at the home of local junior outfit Dundee North End. "United do a lot of work on the park at North End so I know the pitch is in excellent condition," he added.