Dundee United striker Mario Bilate out for six months

Injury-plagued Dundee United striker Mario Bilate has ruptured his cruciate knee ligament in training.

The Dutch forward, who missed most of last season with hamstring problems and has also been absent with a similar problem this term, now faces at least six months on the sidelines.

He played against Aberdeen on the opening day of the season before being injured again.

The 24-year-old made his comeback against St Johnstone last weekend and looked to have finally put his troubles behind him.

But he has twisted his knee in training this week, Courier Sport understands, and doctors have now confirmed he’s torn the ligament inside his knee.

Given the expected period of recovery, and the fact that he’s out of contract in the summer, at best he will only have a few weeks at the end of the season to impress a new manager. At worst, he has played his last game for United.