DUFC

ALMONDVALE IS NOW THE FOCUS

5th September 2001

With Scotland Under-21 matters done and dusted for now, Alex Smith has shifted his focus back to Dundee United, and in particular Saturday's trip to Almondvale to face SPL new boys Livingston.

Once back on home soil, the first task for Smith will be to assess whether the Tangerine contingent in both of the Scotland parties suffered any ill-effects in Belgium.

Craig Easton and Jamie McCunnie were both involved with the Under-21s - although full-back McCunnie was an unused sub against Belgium - while 'keeper Paul Gallacher earned a step-up to the top squad but remained on the bench for both games.

"It's another step forward in Gals development and the experience will do him a lot of good," summed up the boss.

Another pending club matter for Smith now is to ascertain how loan star Ronnie O'Brien performed in the midweek closed-door friendly with Montrose. The Juventus man is set to be included in Saturday's squad, but there will be a late decision on winger Jim Paterson, who is suffering from a throat infection.