Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara is looking for Simon Murray to push for a first-team place next season.
The 23-year-old striker was snapped up by the Tangerines in January from Arbroath but was then loaned straight back to the Red Lichties.
He has scored 24 times for the Angus side this season, although he could not find the net on Saturday against Queen’s Park with Arbroath going out of the League One promotion play-offs at the semi-final stage, losing 3-2 on aggregate.
However, McNamara is hoping Murray can make an impact at Tannadice next season with the player now fully up to speed with the demands of full-time football.
McNamara “I have been delighted to see Simon do well for Arbroath.
“He had a wee dip when he first came here but I can see the full-time training starting to help him.
“He’s scored a few goals lately and the aim he’s got to have is to be back here ready to start for pre-season.
“Moving from part-time to full-time training is tough and we’ve been mindful not to push him too much too soon.
“He’s got stronger because he’s been working with the strength-and-conditioning coach.
“We’ve had to be careful with him because he trains with Arbroath a couple of nights a week as well.
“But he’ll be back here in the summer ready to make a claim for a place in the first-team.”