Dundee United’s final outing before the start of the season next week has left manager Jackie McNamara with a defensive headache.
Three minutes into the second half of Leeds United’s 2-0 win at Elland Road on Saturday, an accidental head clash saw skipper Sean Dillon helped off the field looking decidedly groggy.
It now looks as though the Irishman is set to miss the first six weeks of the season all of which comes as bad news for the gaffer.
“Obviously, we are disappointed with the injury to Sean. He has a fractured cheekbone which is a bit of a nightmare for us,” McNamara said.
“To be fair it was a complete accident. The two of them went for the ball and collided, it was just unfortunate.”
Therefore the return to action of Keith Watson couldn’t be more timely for what has become a problem position as the manager confirmed: “We were going to give Keith a bit of game time anyway.
“He has been out for a good few weeks with a calf strain and Mark Wilson is still injured, so it has been a bit of a problem position for us pre-season. We’ll need to get Keith up to speed as quickly as possible.”
Of course, much of the focus was on the man entrusted with filling the left back role after Andrew Robertson’s departure.
Certainly, Conor Townsend no way underestimates how difficult it will be to fill the boots of the man with whom he has traded places.
He and Robertson, a spectator at Elland Road on Saturday, have been like ships that pass in the night as he explained: “I was there the first day he was there and we wished each other all the best.”
But as the 21-year old said: “Obviously, he has done really well with his move and now the challenge for me is to prove that I am as good as him.”
Not that he had any hesitation about agreeing his switch north of the border.
“The manager rang me and said he wanted me and it was nice to feel wanted. I spoke to Robert Snodgrass before making the move and he immediately recommended it.
“In the end it was a no-brainer. I’m into the last year of my contract, so irrespective of whether I remain a Hull player, I am playing for my future.
“Obviously, I am looking to do as well as I can. And hopefully that will stand me in good stead for my future, wherever it may be.”
While happy to get the game time, the defender vowed that the 1,000-strong Tangerine army in the 10,115 crowd didn’t see him at his best.
“It was good to get a run out for the 90 minutes, although later in the game I felt the effects and lagged a bit.
“Having started pre-season with Hull City a lot later than the lads, I am a bit behind in fitness, but hopefully I can kick on and get there quickly.”
Despite the defeat, Townsend was duly impressed with his new team-mates.
“I thought we did well, moving the ball about well against a good Leeds side that will not be far away in the Championship title race.
“It was a good game to have before the season starts next week and I can’t wait for it.”
As for the game itself, the Tangerines got off to the worst possible start, Steve Morrison banging home Michael Tonge’s cross with just three minutes on the clock.
Apart from a flashing header from Callum Morris praised by his manger as ‘outstanding’ which skimmed the bar, and a Stuart Armstrong shot, United were under the cosh for most of the first half.
Indeed, with a Tommaso Bianchi first time shot crashing off the crossbar and John Rankin clearing one off the line, the damage could have been greater than the single goal deficit.
Both teams rang the changes early in the second half and thereafter United created the better chances. Charlie Telfer hit the post while Mario Bilate fired wildly past from a good position.
Then late on, a slip by former United striker Noel Hunt set up Ryan Dow whose touch was a shade too strong allowing keeper Marco Silvestri to advance and block his shot.
Almost immediately, United were punished when Matt Smith sent Jarek Fojut sprawling and Dominic Poleon latched on to the loose ball to round Rado Cierzniak and net the home side’s second.
Apart from feeling that the Polish defender was fouled in the build-up to that goal, Tannadice gaffer McNamara was reasonably happy with things.
He said, “Apart from a few dodgy decisions, it was a good exercise.
“First half, I thought we were too cautious with our passing, going sideways rather than going for the killer pass. Second half we were definitely more positive and might well have had a couple of goals.
“The important thing for me is having plenty of options. I have a good-sized squad offering me different options up front and at the back.
“Starting with the Aberdeen game next Sunday, we have three games in six days. We are going to need everybody in the dressing room and we gave everybody as much game time as possible.”
Several of the players who were involved at Elland Road were again in action in a closed doors game at Tannadice last night.