Kawashima: Dundee United can avoid Premiership relegation

Dundee United goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima believes his side can still beat the drop, despite being 11 points adrift at the foot of the Premiership.

United have won only two league fixtures this season, and are without a win in any competition since October.

"I believe I can do something for Dundee United," Kawashima said. "I believe clearly that we can survive.

"I also have experience in Belgium when being at the bottom of the table and then in the end we survived."

The Japan international endured a difficult start to his United career. After agreeing to sign at the start of November, Kawashima was made to wait on the sidelines as he awaited international clearance to sign.

The 32-year-old made his debut against Dundee on 2 January, making a costly error as his side lost the derby 2-1 at Dens Park.

The keeper admits that the situation United are in is tough for everybody connected with the club, but hopes he can help turn the situation around.

"It is hard at the moment for the players, coach and supporters but it is really important that we believe in ourselves and I hope that I can bring some positive things to the group."

Kawashima, who had spells in Belgium with Lierse and Standard Liege, says he has taken inspiration from a former Japan international team-mate on how to succeed in Scotland - the former Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura,

"Not only myself but all Japanese people know that Nakamura did really well at Celtic."

"Everyone remembers how much Nakamura did in Scotland so I will try to do my best, like he did here."