Jackie McNamara sees big talent in Dundee United teenager

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara has admitted that he has no worries about playing diminutive teenager Ryan Gauld against the SPL big boys.

The 17-year-old was thrown on by the manager in the middle of Sunday’s bruising derby encounter with Dundee in a bid to unpick the dogged defence of the 10-man Dark Blues.

McNamara said: “Ryan Gauld has got something and so do several of the other young players.

“People probably thought it was a gamble putting him on in the derby when you look at his size and his stature. But not for me because he’s capable of providing a spark.

“He is someone able to create something he’s brave and able to do it.

“We were playing safe a wee bit and took too many touches of the ball but guys like Ryan, who sees a pass and can do things quickly, are very important.”