Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Luca Stephenson says his Dundee United loan stint has already made him a better player after going from England's fourth tier to Scotland's top flight.

The versatile Liverpool midfielder, 21, spent last season on loan at Barrow, but reckons the step up to United has been the making of him.

Stephenson, who has made 13 appearances and scored three goals so far in his season-long Tannadice spell, said: "I had confidence in myself that I was going to come up here and take the shirt and play every week.

"I can tell already how much it has lifted my game and lifted my profile. I am looking to keep that going for the rest of the season, but we are in December and I can notice the difference in my game, my better physicality, adapting to the men's game a lot more.

"Last season was my first year in the men's game and I didn't struggle but it was new for me. Whereas this season I feel like I can take it in my stride a lot more and I am understanding a lot more about what I have to do."

Stephenson is a key part of a United team that has taken the top division by storm and occupy fourth place before Saturday's visit of struggling Kilmarnock.

"I've been playing from the start every game and the gaffer has given me the freedom to play different roles. I have played wing-back, midfield, and go and express myself and that is all I can ask for really," he added.

"I said at the start of the season before I came up here, it was the next step in my career, it was a step up in the level of opposition and the publicity you get.

"Hopefully I am showing people I am good enough for this level. In future I want to go and play at higher levels and at the minute I am doing well."

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The derby between Dundee and Dundee United at Dens Park in the Scottish Cup fourth round will take place on Monday, 20 January.

The game kicks off at 20:00 GMT and will be broadcast live on Premier Sports.

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• Dundee United are winless in three league meetings with Kilmarnock (D1 L2), last going longer without victory over Killie in the top-flight in August 2006 (6 games).

• After their 3-0 win in May 2023, Kilmarnock could win back-to-back top-flight away games at Dundee United for the first time since August 2002 (4 in a row).

• Dundee United have won both of their last two home league games without conceding; the Tangerines last won three successive home matches in the Scottish Premiership in October 2021, and last did so while also keeping a clean sheet each time in November 2014.

• Kilmarnock lost 6-0 against Rangers last time out, their heaviest defeat in the top-flight since a loss by the same scoreline against Celtic in April 2012.

• Since the start of last season, all five of Kilmarnock's league games against newly promoted opponents have been drawn (4 v Dundee in 2023-24, 1 v Dundee United this term). Killie are winless in five Scottish Premiership away games at promoted clubs (D3 L2) since a 1-0 victory at St Mirren in March 2019.

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Jim Goodwin hailed Sam Dalby as "a lot more than just a target man" after the Dundee United striker was named the Scottish Premiership player of the month for November.

Dalby, 24, is on loan at United from Wrexham, and has helped the Tannadice side impress on their return to the top flight.

Dalby scored three goals during an unbeaten November for Goodwin's side, and the Irish manager was full of praise for "the big fella".

"I am absolutely delighted for Sam," Goodwin said. "His commitment to come up to Scotland has been repaid as far as we are concerned. I have got great belief in the big fella, that is why we worked so hard to try and bring him to the club.

"I think his game is really suited to the Scottish Premiership, people would look at him and think he is just a six foot three target man, but he is a lot more than that. He is technically very good, links the game well, decent mobility for a big lad as well. He has scored a lot of important goals for us up to now.

"He had a great month in November and I am really pleased for him that he has got that recognition."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premiership match against Kilmarnock.

Here are the best bits from his press conference:

• Despite Kilmarnock's recent poor form Goodwin is expecting "a difficult game" and says counterpart Derek McInnes will be "looking for a reaction" after his side were thrashed 6-0 at Rangers on Wednesday night.

• Goodwin believes McInnes will get Killie moving in the right direction again, a process he obviously hopes doesn't start on Saturday.

• With his side fourth in the table, Goodwin was asked if he is eyeing Rangers and Aberdeen, who occupy the two places above them; he said he is not looking at the league table - "we are not looking over our shoulders, we are not looking up, we are just focusing on our next game."

• Goodwin spoke of the "fine margins" in the league. He thinks Celtic are out on their own at the moment but doesn't thing there is a great deal between the other 11 teams in the league.

• On drawing neighbours Dundee in the next round of the Scottish Cup, Goodwin think it is "no doubt the tie of the round".

• A calf strain means midfielder Ross Docherty continues to miss out in an injury-disrupted season, but there are no fresh injuries.

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty says his side drawing rivals Dundee United in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup is "brilliant for the city".

The sides will meet at Dens Park on the weekend of 18-19 January, and Docherty says there has been a "buzz" among the Dundee squad ever since the draw.

"Brilliant," Docherty said. "Thrilled and excited when it came out.

"I think it's brilliant for both clubs. I think it's brilliant for the city.

"And that's us guaranteed at least four derbies this year that we never had last year.

"So I think it's absolutely tie of the round and we'll very much look forward to that. There's a buzz about the place.

"Listen, you would prefer that you play them in the final, or the semi-final, but you play them when you play them. And it's a brilliant fixture, as I say, for the city, for both clubs."

Docherty was keen to stress his immediate focus remains on the league, with Motherwell visiting Dens in Scottish Premiership action on Wednesday.

A win would take Dundee into the top six and Docherty wants to build on recent home wins.

"I need to stress that [cup match] is nine game away, so we'll deal with that when it comes round. Your most important game is your next one, which is Motherwell at home tomorrow night.

"Our sole motivation is putting on a level of performance tomorrow night to give us the best opportunity to beat Motherwell at home.

"We've won our last two home games which I'm really pleased about.

"The fans have been so important in that so of course, that's a tangible reward (top six) if we win the game tomorrow night."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

A big chunk of the early-season chat in Scottish football has surrounded Aberdeen, and whether they can split the Old Firm this season.

There hasn't been as much about whether Dundee United have the potential to achieve that feat too.

However, if they keep going the way they have been going this term, then surely their name will have to be added into that debate.

Yes, it is still a long shot - but they are very much on Rangers' coattails in third place, just three points behind the Ibrox side with 14 of their league fixtures ticked off.

Jim Goodwin's side have a number of qualities - key among them is having the ability to grind out results both at home and away.

That is a quality that can take a side a long way. Another is belief, and they clearly have plenty of that too.

The Tangerines have already proved to the wider football public - and to themselves - that they are more than a match for anyone in the Premiership - barring Celtic, who they have yet to play.

Another quality they possess is that of keeping their feet firmly on the ground - whenever you speak to Goodwin, or any of the players, they are adhering to the 'one game at a time' mantra, maintaining that the league table doesn't matter at this stage of the campaign.

While that may be the message from the dressing room, who would blame the United fans if they are already starting to dream of Europe next season.

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

Saturday's match at Tannadice had it all - drama, passion, and controversy - but most importantly, it delivered three vital points for Dundee United. The fortress of Tannadice stood tall as United swept St Mirren aside 2-0, a third victory against the Buddies this season.

Kevin Holt, a defensive colossus, was the hero on the scoresheet too. After Sam Dalby's effort cleared the stand and Will Ferry rattled the post in the first half, it was Holt who coolly broke the deadlock from the penalty spot. And as if his contribution wasn't enough, Manny Adegboyega - who seemingly relishes these encounters - clinched the win after Marcus Fraser's red card left St Mirren floundering.

United's defensive display was nothing short of sensational. Holt, Declan Gallagher, and Adegboyega combined to repel wave after wave of pressure. With 24 clearances between them, they stood firm as St Mirren launched 35 crosses and the defence didn't just protect; it completely suffocated the Buddies' attack.

Of course, no game involving Dundee United would be complete without a dose of VAR drama. St Mirren fans may protest Fraser's sending off or Jack Walton's reprieve, but let's get real - the officials got it spot on. Holt was clearly fouled for the penalty, and Fraser's desperate tug on Moult was blatant. VAR only confirmed what we at Tannadice could already see.

As for the league table, Jim Goodwin may caution against getting carried away, but fans can't help savouring the view. United sit 11 points clear of the relegation zone and enjoy a healthy buffer in the top six. And let's not forget - the gap between us and that lot up the road is as wide as it is glorious.

This was more than just a victory; it was a statement. Dundee United are here to stay, fight, and thrive. Tannadice is alive, the Tangerine Army is united, and we're ready to take on whoever comes next. Bring on Kilmarnock - onwards and upwards!

Ronny Costello can be found on the Dode Fox podcast., external

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Dundee United will face Dundee at Dens Park in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

The tie will take place on the weekend of 18-19 January.

Dundee United's Kevin Holt, 31, is adamant the controversial penalty he won and converted in Saturday's 2-0 win over St Mirren was the correct call. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

We asked for your views on Dundee United's win over St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

Anon: Not a pretty sight but unlike previous versions of the team these guys are fighters.

Lee: It wasn’t pretty but we got the job done. The 3-4-3 Jim Goodwin keeps going back to just doesn’t work for us. Hopefully we can keep this run going in our upcoming games vs Kilmarnock and Motherwell.

Dave: I thought a lot of Stephen Robinson’s comments after the match. Refused to be drawn into screaming for a red card for Jack Walton or make too much of the other decisions that went United’s way. Our expected goals stat was much higher than Saints’ so I reckon we were well worthy of three points. Defence was immense - again.

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Defender Kevin Holt says Dundee United have had a "great start" to their top-flight return, but they are reluctant to "look at the league table too much".

Holt scored a penalty in his side's 2-0 win over St Mirren on Saturday, which moved fourth-placed United level on points with Rangers in third.

"It is brilliant," the centre-back told BBC Scotland. "It has been a great start for us. But we speak about it all the time in terms of that is what it is - it is just a start.

"We are just looking at a game at a time and making sure we pick up as many points as we can, not looking at the league table too much."

Holt is aware of "how difficult the league can be" and he recognises United could "go through a wee rut" at some point.

That is why the defender feels it is imperative the team rack up as many points as they can while they are in good form.

"We would like to get as many on the board as early as we can," he added. "You know how much that will help you if you do have that wee lull at some point.

"Hopefully we don't and we just keep going from strength to strength, like we seem to be doing at the moment."

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• Dundee United have scored in each of their last five games in the Premiership, scoring eight goals in that run.

• St Mirren have failed to score in five of their 15 games, only Ross County (eight) have failed to score more often in the Premiership this season.

• Dundee United have kept a clean sheet in five of their 14 games, only Rangers (six) and Celtic (10) have done this more often in the Premiership this season.

• Dundee United have scored in their last five games in the Premiership, their longest scoring streak this season.

Dundee United scored twice in a frenzied finale at Tannadice to go level on points with third-place Rangers in the Scottish Premiership and condemn St Mirren to a first defeat in five.

Kevin Holt scored a penalty opener - awarded after VAR intervention - then missed from the spot before Emmanuel Adegboyega poked in a second for Jim Goodwin's side in injury time.

Have your say on the match., external

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "We're really pleased to win the game, obviously, another important three points, clean sheet and yeah, really, really good victory against a very difficult opponent.

"I think in terms of the game as a whole, I think it was quite a scrappy game. You know what you're going to get with St Mirren, they're going to ask questions of you defensively. They look to try and get the ball in your box at every opportunity.

"And I thought defensively, the guys at the back, along with Jack Walton, were outstanding. We didn't play particularly well. I don't think either team played particularly well, but it was it was just about grinding out the result, about finding a way to win the game and I'm delighted that we were able to do that.

"Sam Dalby has a great chance one on one. With the form he's in, you would back him to score. Obviously, Will Ferry probably with, in terms of our only good bit of real quality in the first half, that led to Ferry’s chance where he crashes the post.

"As I said, we ground out the result and that's a good St Mirren side who have been on a good run of form.

"Of course, we're delighted where we're sitting on the table but as I said to you numerous times this year already, I don't really take much notice of it. You know, we're still in November."

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee United have perhaps been the league’s surprise package this season, sitting comfortably in the table’s top half.

However, St Mirren matched them today with both sides cancelling one another out for most of the game.

In Dalby and Ferry they have an attacking duo that appear to be operating on the same frequency, with a few pieces of link-up impressing.

They have the third-best defensive record in the league too, and looked resolute again against an imposing visiting side.

Their determination to keep attacking in the final stages, and stop St Mirren from finding an equasiler as they rallied late on, was impressive.

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Will Ferry was a brightspark for the hosts, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.

His link-up play with Sam Dalby, particularly for that chance, was impressive.

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Dundee United defender Ross Graham is back in action but Jim Goodwin remains without Ross Docherty (calf), Craig Sibbald (groin) and Kristijan Trapanovski (hamstring).

St Mirren defenders Charles Dunne and Alex Iacovitti are still out with hamstring injuries.

Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland

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Jim Goodwin has praised in-form Dundee United striker Sam Dalby, but says it's "too early" to look at a permanent move for the Wrexham loanee.

Dalby has netted in four successive United games and all five of his goals for the club have come in the last six of his 11 appearances.

The 24-year-old, who is on a season-long loan at Tannadice, is out of contract at Wrexham next summer so can speak to interested clubs in the new year.

"It's always important for your strikers to be scoring goals and we're very lucky here that we've got three really good strikers in Louis Moult, Jort van der Sande and Sam," said Goodwin.

"Dalby at the moment is grabbing the headlines, but you never want to be relying too heavily on any one individual and that's probably the thing that's pleased me the most throughout the season where there's been a number of different goalscorers week to week.

"Sam is going through a bit of a purple patch at the moment and long may that continue. Sam and his agent know what we think of him here, that's why we tried so hard in the summer to bring him to the club.

"We sold it to him on the premise that we believed his game was suited to the Scottish Premiership. He made a big commitment as well to travel so far north, he showed the desire he had to play regular first-team football in the top league.

"It's working really well for all parties at the moment. It's too early at this stage for us to be talking about contracts with players and things like that.

"We need to get into the new year, see where we are after the busy festive period and then we can sit down and start having some serious discussions."