Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara last night maintained he would have no qualms about pitching new signing Ryan McGowan straight into Saturday’s Scottish League Cup semi-final if it came to the crunch.
The 25-year-old Australian cap signed for United on an 18-month contract last week and was warmly applauded by fans at Tannadice ahead of Saturday’s home match against Motherwell.
Now that his international clearance has come through, McGowan is available to play against Aberdeen this weekend although he has not played a competitive game since leaving Chinese side Shandong Luneng Taishan.
His boss McNamara therefore has a few big decisions to make ahead of kick-off at Hampden on Saturday, and he admitted that McGowan could well come into his thoughts.
“He’s an option, he’s in the squad,” he told Courier Sport.
“We’ve got clearance through for him and we’re happy with that and he’ll come into contention.
“I’ve spoken before about players who have experienced these kind of big games before and he has won the cup and scored at Hampden.
“He did the same in China and he played in the World Cup last summer.
“Obviously I know the boy first and foremost from my time travelling with Partick Thistle and he’s a great character and he’ll be a fantastic signing for us.”
While one full back is available to play, another departed United on loan yesterday in a move which is likely to signal the end of his Tannadice career.
Keith Watson, who is out of contract in the summer, joined Championship side Hibs until the end of the season and admitted yesterday that he is keen for a fresh start at Easter Road.
“I’m really pleased to sign for Hibernian on loan,” he commented.
“It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m excited about the future.
“I know a few of the Hibs players – Scott Allan, Scott Robertson and Farid El Alagui – from my time at United and they’ve all spoken very highly of the manager and the set-up here.
“I’ve been really impressed with the progress that has been made so far this season and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.
“After experiencing a few setbacks with injuries over the years, I now want to kick on, play regularly and help the team to achieve promotion.”
Meanwhile, United are continuing to monitor the situation regarding former fans’ favourite Paul Dixon, who has been linked with a possible return to Tannadice.
Huddersfield are understood to be open to Dixon leaving in the January window, with a number of clubs including United interested in signing him.