SMITH ON THE DENS PARK CHALLENGE AHEAD

With derby day approaching, United Manager Alex Smith on Thursday was very happy to welcome back starlet Jamie McCunnie into the Tangerines' fold after the young wing-back from Blantyre had completed three games with the Scotland U-19 squad in Slovenia. "Jamie has returned fit and well from the trip and I am certain the international dimension of the experience will come in handy this weekend. The lad has more than recommended himself in training this morning and I am delighted he is available for selection again", commented the Manager. Moreover, the 0-3 away-win over Hibs earlier this week has highlighted the first team aspirations of twice-scoring Stephen Carson, the ex-Juventus player Ronnie O'Brien, the injury come-back man Jamie Fullarton as well as the Greek U-21 internationalist Tassos Venetis. As Smith commented, "the U-21-Hibs match has reinforced my sense of flexibility in terms of the options I have to respond to Saturday's challenge. The last match against Dundee was an excellent contest, and we're aiming for the same standard - and this time we are looking to take the three points, as at the beginning of this year."