Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson has revealed that he had opted to give Fraser Fyvie a well-earned rest on Saturday instead of playing him against Montrose in the William Hill Scottish Cup.
The Tangerines ran out comfortable 4-0 winners even without their influential skipper in midfield with his place taken in the team by Scottish Cup-winning hero Morgaro Gomis, back for his third spell at the club.
And Neilson admitted that Fyvie will continue to be treated carefully, especially considering he was out for several months with a serious injury.
The manager said: “Fraser was just rested with the game being on the astro. We are still managing Fraser.
“I think we sometimes forget he was out for nine months with a cruciate.
“We probably asked too much of him when he came back in. With Morgaro coming in, it gave us a chance to give Fraser a bit of a rest.
“Morgaro was rolling back the years again, rewinding to 2010.
“He brings stability and energy to the team. He works hard and knows the game so I am really pleased with him.”
Montrose were fighting an uphill battle from the moment they conceded the first goal early on with Links Park boss Stewart Petrie admitting the better team won on the day.
He said: “We spoke before the game about keeping it tight and we lost a poor goal from our point of view in eight minutes.
“It was always going to be an uphill struggle from there.
“I have no real complaints and the better team won but credit to our lads, they always give plenty effort.
“However, the quality won on the day. Dumbarton next week is a big game for us.
“But it was great day for the town and the directors to have over 3,600 at the match.”
