Dundee United fans are desperate to get “Happy” this festive season.
And boss Liam Fox revealed they may get their chance as Sadat Anaku continues to push for game time.
Ugandan star Anaku, known at Tannadice by his middle name “Happy”, has had to bide his time for a run of appearances since signing a two-year deal in August.
In flashes he has shown the kind of ability that can influence games.
And Fox expects him to make an even bigger splash in a tangerine jersey very soon.
He said: “Happy is a work-in-progress.
“He’s a great kid with a great attitude, but he needs time to adapt to the Scottish game, the culture here – and even the weather.
“He’s away from home, away from his family so it is a big thing for him.
“He wants to work, he wants to learn and improve.
“Happy has been training well and I’m sure he will have an impact on the team between now and the end of the season.
“We just have to be wary of expecting too much. He played really well against Rangers then started against St Johnstone the following week.
“But it’s a totally new thing for him, it’s a new level of football altogether.
“He’s shown us real flashes of what he can do and he’s also shown us what he’s got to improve on.
“We see him every day so can see how he’s progressing and I’m really happy with his he’s coming along.”
Fox keeps tabs on loan kids
Meanwhile, as preparations continue for Saturday’s clash with Hearts, Fox revealed he is looking closely at United’s ‘out on loan’ contingent.
Logan Chalmers and Chris Mochrie are amongst those shining on loan duty down the leagues.
For Fox, in addition to looking at potential new additions during the January window, they too could provide a boost to his squad in their battle to climb the Premiership.
He said: “It’s always an ongoing process. Things can chop and change very quickly in football but it is a process we’re working through.
“There are meetings going on in the background because we always want to improve.
“We will look at the loan players, decide if they can come back and help us or whether it’s better for them staying where they are.
“Some of them, it might be a case of them needing to play at a higher level or a different level to get the most benefit.
“So everything is being looked at all the time.”
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