John Ranking knew two of his young team-mates were in need of a well-earned rest because he was able to kick them in training!
John Souttar and Ryan Gauld were taken out of the frontline by Tangerines boss Jackie McNamara recently and sent on a sunshine break to recharge their batteries.
The manager felt the normally dynamic duo were looking jaded and he hoped the half-term holiday would help them rediscover their “zip”.
Rankin believes his boss’s decision has paid off as the pair have looked back to their best since they flew home last week and he is hoping they can help United emerge from their recent slump, starting today against Partick Thistle at Firhill.
When asked if Gauld and Souttar received a warm welcome on their return from their team-mates, Rankin said: “There have been a few jokes flying about but it is great to see them back. They are fresh, they are hungry and they are desperate to get going again.
“They have been flying this week in training, which is great as it is like having two new players again.
“Seriously, though, I don’t think they were physically tired, more mentally weary.
“I can remember when I was young boy, feeling fine leg-wise but struggling mentally more than anything.
“I think the boys knew that themselves, which led to frustration and trying difficult things when they didn’t need to.
“Their body language wasn’t quite right but they have come back in so fresh and enthusiastic, the way they should be.
“That’s how they were when they were flying earlier in the season. If they can come back and kick us on again, then great.
“They have had their break and a well-earned rest and, to be honest, having Monday’s game against St Johnstone postponed probably suited them.
“Obviously it was disappointing that the match was called off but there was nothing we could do about it.
“The weather wasn’t the greatest and we had trained on the pitch the day before for 45 minutes and it was basically a swimming pool. We warmed up for two minutes and our feet were absolutely soaking.”
United are looking for a return to form having gone six games without a win.
Rankin said: “A few things have gone against us, not just a loss of form.
“It has been difficult and our heads have maybe gone down at times when they shouldn’t have. We now need to pick up and get on with things.
“We won six in a row and we were happy to take the plaudits, but we have not won in six and we need to show a reaction and prove we have that fight and determination inside us, which I know we have.
“We want to come out the other end and prove that we still are the Dundee United that put such a good run together.”
Considering Partick have not won at home in the league this season, fans of a Tangerine persuasion could be forgiven for thinking this is an easy opportunity to get back to winning ways.
However, Rankin insists: “No. we are not looking at it that way. We will just concentrate on ourselves.
“We have our own form to look after and need to cement our place in the top six and then set ourselves the next target.
“United have to kick on for the rest of the season and February is a big month for us.
“We want to get right in the mix at the top of the league and we have the quarter-final of the cup to look forward to as well.
“The boys are really champing at the bit. We are all just desperate to get over that white line and play again.”
Rankin has begun negotiations with the club over a new contract and he said: “I would be delighted to stay here as I have enjoyed every minute of it. I have been here for nearly three years and we have had more ups than downs.
“If we can continue on the path we are on just now. it will only go one way and that is progressing. I want to be part of that.”
United will be without the injured Gavin Gunning.