Csaba Laszlo admits having James Keatings fit again has left him feeling like he’s made 10, not nine, summer signings.
A long-term groin problem meant only six of his 21 appearances in an injury-hit first year as a Tangerine were made after Csaba took over as manager in November.
The 26-year-old is back fit and has been training with the rest of the squad since pre-season started a fortnight ago.
And the attacker made a big impression when he came on for the final 15 minutes or so of Tuesday night’s friendly win over Brechin City at Glebe Park.
It was his shot that came back off the bar and hit home defender Euan Spark before bouncing over the line for United’s second goal.
Keatings went close again with another effort shortly after and Csaba has revealed he was impressed with his cameo performance.
“I was very pleased with James Keatings’ performance, he showed he is a good player and can play football,” he said.
“He needs more time but he is more or less a new player and I know he can be part of the squad this year.”
With Craig Curran and Nicky Clark joining up, having battled back to fitness the former Hibs and Hearts faces another fight to hold down a place in the team in the coming months.
And Csaba has also been pleased with the way his new front men have been fitting in.
“Nicky Clark and Craig Curran and even (winger) Fraser Aird, they know where the goal is.
“With Craig Curran we have a fighter up front. He goes everywhere and tries to take even the most difficult balls.
“The combination between the positions, we have to work on it but they have never played together, so this is normal.”
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