Dundee United manager Peter Houston has picked out Richie Ryan as a pivotal player as they prepare for their Moscow mission.
The Irishman is only just establishing himself as first-team regular in the Tannadice team after joining from Sligo Rovers nine months ago.
However, Ryan (27) has looked assured and confident in the Tangerines’ midfield and was a solid performer against Dinamo in last week’s Europa League third qualifying round first leg.
Ryan was unlucky to see the ball deflect off his body for Dinamo’s equaliser just as the hosts were hanging on for what would have been a deserved 2-1 win.
Even that disappointment did not get him down for long, though, as he was there pulling the strings in the middle of the park on Sunday as they started their league campaign with a blistering 3-0 success over Hibs.
Houston believes Ryan is perfectly cut out for continental competition and is delighted to have him at his disposal for Thursday’s return match at the Arena Khimki.
Having played for Royal Antwerp in Belgium, Ryan has sampled the game beyond both these shores and his native Ireland and that works in his favour, according to Houston.
”We always marvel at the way foreign teams are better technically than the British (or Irish) players,” said Houston.
”But Richie is one of these players who would fit well into a continental team.
”He has played European football before in Belgium so knows what is required at this level.
”Richie keeps possession and keeps things simple. We will need people like him to do that when we go to Moscow.
”I feel Richie always shows himself willing to take the ball and tries to do that no matter what’s going on around him.
”He can spray it about as well which is what you want from your midfielders.
”Richie can produce one of those silly passes round the corner or over the top so he has a lot to his game.
”He had to be patient when he first came to the club but he has started this season really well and proved he is a good player.”
United’s players big concern is over another Irishman, central defender Sean Dillon, who picked up a groin strain early on in the Hibs match and had to be replaced by Brian McLean at half-time.
The Tangerines will continue to assess his fitness before flying out to the Russian capital.