Dundee United’s players helped pay for overnight stay in Highlands

Dundee United’s players were so determined to be ready for Ross County on Saturday that they offered to pay towards hotel accommodation.

The Tannadice club have been operating a “no overnight stay” policy as they try to fight their way out of relegation trouble, travelling to away matches on the day of the game.

However, the squad wanted a change at the weekend.

An approach was made to manager Mixu Paatelainen offering to put cash the players have accrued in fines towards a Friday night in the Highlands.

United agreed to that proposal, with the club still meeting over half of the bill.

The Tangerines are due back in Dingwall on William Hill Scottish Cup duty this Saturday and will be staying over again, although this one will be 100% on the club.

Defender Paul Dixon said the gesture showed the type of desire needed to get the team out of their present dilemma.

He explained: “We have a fine system at the club and we offered the chairman to pay a chunk of the cost of the hotel out of our kitty to get us up here the night before the game.

“By doing that along with the club it shows our desire and will to get out of this situation.”