Michael Gardyne’s Russian spy has delivered his dossier on Dinamo Moscow ahead of Dundee United’s daunting Europa League mission.
The Tangerines midfielder had asked former Celtic colleague Aiden McGeady, who plays for Dinamo’s capital rivals Spartak, for the lowdown on United’s third qualifying round opponents.
Agent McGeady completed the task and Gardyne has now passed on what he has been told to Tannadice boss Peter Houston ahead of the home leg on Thursday.
Houston’s players will play their final preparation game tonight down at English non-league side Gateshead before the serious stuff kicks off against the mega-rich Muscovites.
”I have spoken to Aiden about them and he tells me they are a really good team,” said Gardyne, who was at Celtic Park with the Republic of Ireland international in season 2005-06.
”The first thing I thought about when the draw was made was that I could chat to Aiden and get information from him about Dinamo. He was a big signing for Spartak Moscow, going there for £9 million, and he knows his stuff.
”He has been brilliant with the info and I have passed it on, although that will only complement what the manager can dig up on them and see on the DVDs.
”Also, we will have them watched by our coach Paul Hegarty this weekend so the management will be well prepared for the tie, that’s for sure.”
Gardyne will get more game time tonight on Tyneside and he is one on many United players looking to impress Houston.
”All the boys will be working hard to try to catch the gaffer’s eye ahead of the Moscow game,” he said. ”I am looking forward to the matches and am enjoying getting my match fitness up.
”I am feeling the benefit of getting game time. Alloa played well against us in midweek and really gave us a test so hopefully it will be the same down at Gateshead.”
The Tangerines will travel without central defender Gavin Gunning.
Houston said: ”Gavin injured his knee against Arbroath and, while, it is nothing major, he won’t travel down with us. Gary Mackay-Steven and Keith Watson didn’t train today as they both have knocks but they will hopefully be fine.
”So there are a few wee injuries but nothing serious. I am sure it will be a good, tough match for us. We need a workout so this game is ideal.”
Meanwhile, former United midfielder Scott Robertson has swapped one tangerine shirt for another.
The Scotland man has signed for English Championship side Blackpool after passing a medical.