DUNDEE UNITED have Kilmarnock star Steven Naismith to thank for having the chance to check out Zimbabwean striker Brian Badza, writes Ian Roache.

For it was Naismith’s biding his time at Rugby Park instead of heading for the bright lights of Arsenal’s new Emirates Stadium before the transfer window closed that persuaded Badza to try his luck with the Tangerines.

“My agent was told by Kilmarnock that if Naismith went then they wanted me to replace him,” said Badza.

“When that did not happen there was no place for me. I like life in Scotland, though, and think I could do a good job so I want to stay here.

“I consider myself to be a fast and very hard-working player.

“I have appeared for Zimbabwe 25 times and scored 11 goals so I hope to showcase my talent...”

Manager Craig Brewster will give Badza, who also had a spell at Germinal Beerschot in Belgium, time to show what he can do, saying, “We will have a look at him over a week or two.”

Brewster kept the door open for Badza’s fellow African Franck Matingou, who is now a free agent after settling up with Bastia.

The Congolese international midfielder trained with the Tangerines but headed home once it emerged the French club wanted a transfer fee

“Franck is available and I would have no problem in bringing him back over but we will wait and see,” added Brewster.

Meanwhile, the player-manager will be back in action today when United’s reserves take on their Dunfermline counterparts in Fife.

The shoulder injury he picked up in the opening day game against Falkirk has now eased and he is likely to be joined in the line-up by Lee Wilkie and Barry Robson, the latter being given a runout as he is suspended for Sunday’s SPL game against Hibs.

Lee Mair (knee) will sit out the second-string clash but could be declared ready later this week, while Steven Robb (ankle) has yet to resume training.

DUNDEE defender Gary McKenzie will have an ankle operation tomorrow and could be out of action for almost two months.

The news McKenzie needs surgery is the latest in a catalogue of injury woes for the Dark Blues.

They have had to do without first-choice players like Bobby Mann, Ludovic Roy, Andy McLaren and Danny Griffin due to a variety of ailments but just seemed to be over the worst of it.

McKenzie, a summer signing from Rangers, had been getting pain in the ankle all season and it flared up badly during a game against Hamilton last month.

A specialist had a look at the joint yesterday and has recommended he go under the knife.

“Gary will be sidelined for between six to eight weeks,” confirmed Dens assistant boss Davie Farrell.

“It is a real blow for us and for Gary himself.

“The only consolation is that Bobby (Mann) will be fit for Saturday’s game at Gretna so will slot into his place in central defence.”

Nick Wakeman, a striker who has been released by Hibs, is on trial with Dundee.