DUNDEE United head into tonight’s mouthwatering top of the Championship table clash with Hibs wanting to start another unbeaten record after losing it to Dumbarton last weekend.
United now lie second in the Championship and trail Hibernian by a point, so tonight’s match is crucial for both teams but for United in particular if they are to reclaim their place in the Premiership without having to face the play-off rounds.
Manager Ray McKinnon knows the importance of getting his team back to winning ways, or at least unbeaten ones, after a 13-game run of no losses was ended in a match in which the bitter wind whipped off both the Rivers Clyde and Leven, leaving United’s usually organised play a bit dishevelled.
Speaking about tonight’s match on the BBC, McKinnon said: “There’s no doubt it’s a big game. We knew that when the fixtures came out. It’s early in the season. No matter what happens after Friday night, there’s a lot to play for.
“They’re tight games. There’s good players on both teams. I’m pretty certain it’ll be an interesting game.”
The club that was originally known as Dundee Hibernian before taking its present name in 1923 will be out to show the Edinburgh Hibs that the Championship will go down to the wire, and McKinnon thinks he needs another striker to get goals for the Tannadice side.
“There’s lots of names that we’re looking at,” said the manager.
“There’s lots of people we’d like to try and bring in if possible but some things are very, very difficult at this time of year. It’s quite difficult at this time of year to find the right person.
“We’re actively looking to strengthen the squad if we can. We’ll take our time and if it takes us a week or two, we’ll be patient.
“It’s important that we do maybe add one player at least up front to give some competition.”
Nadir Ciftci is one name being mentioned, the Celtic player who was a hit at Tannadice being currently out of favour since his return from a loan spell in Turkey.
Another name in the frame is Danish striker Thomas Mikkelsen who could even be signed today.
The 26-year-old player with Odense has fallen out of the first team squad in recent week, and it was being reported last night that McKinnon is looking to sign Mikkelsen on a loan deal until the end of the season.
McKinnon would not be drawn on any names, however, and the former United midfielder who replaced Mixu Paateleinen at Tannadice at the summer made the point that he is still very much rebuilding the squad.
“We’re ahead of schedule,” McKinnon explained. “There was a huge rebuild on this year. I think 20 players left Dundee United in the summer.
“We had to go and recruit and that’s never easy to rebuild a squad in about six weeks. I’ve got to give the boys credit. They got us to the top of the league. We’re a point behind Hibs. That’s a good squad we’ve put together.
“If we can add to that then hopefully we can give ourselves a chance this season.
“Financially for the club, promotion would be fantastic.
“Everybody understands the challenge this division brings. Rangers spent two years here. Hibs are in their third year down here. It’s not an easy league to get out of.”
That is saying something, and if Hibs edge four points ahead the task will be that much tougher. McKinnon and his men have already beaten Hibs this season, however, and might well settle for a draw and look to beat Hibs when they face them back at Tannadice.
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