Dundee United hope to be boosted by the return of summer signing Callum Booth for their weekend trip to Queen of the South.
After shunning interest from several Premiership outfits to join the Tangerines from Partick Thistle, the full-back was regarded as one of the major close-season signings at Tannadice.
To date, though, the 27-year-old has only managed one competitive appearance.
That came in the Betfred Cup defeat at Ross County last month and although he completed 90 minutes, a knock picked up in Dingwall has left him struggling since.
Manager Csaba Laszlo, though, is hopeful he’ll be working with the squad this week and be ready for some involvement in Dumfries.
“Callum Booth, we are hopeful he is full in the training and we can see how he is,” said Csaba.
After shipping three poor goals in the second half of Saturday’s opening-day defeat against Dunfermline, getting Booth back would add quality and experience.
Csaba is also hoping another week’s full training for striker Craig Curran will help his sharpness.
A dead leg in pre-season meant his debut was delayed until the weekend and although the manager was pleased with the Englishman’s work, it was clear he’s not 100% match fit.
“Craig Curran was three weeks out and the he just came back.
“He did well in the first half but you saw that after 45 minutes he struggled to keep the ball.”
Still missing could be Stewart Murdoch because of a knee problem and Billy King looks to be some way off playing due to the thigh problem that’s dogged him since he reported back for pre-season work.
While Csaba does not hide the loss of those players at various times has been a blow, he’s made clear he wants more from those who are on the pitch.
“They are important players but on the other side you have other players who stay in the pitch and I want to see them make competition for the players who are out.”
Craig Easton’s second string will open their reserve league account when they travel to St Mirren on August 20. Their first home date comes against Kilmarnock a week later.
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