Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara admits it has been a big learning curve for him since he took over at Tannadice from Peter Houston in January.
The Tangerines’ manager has now had an opportunity to fully run the rule over the players at the club and he has targeted where he needs to strengthen for next season.
That desire to bolster his options will have increased with an injury-hit United squad struggling with their post-split top six fixtures, having lost all three games they have played so far, including Saturday’s disappointing loss at home to Tayside rivals St Johnstone.
McNamara said: “It’s a bit frustrating for us at the moment.
“But coming in when we did has been a good learning curve for us by getting the chance to see the players. It’s better rather than just coming in now when the season is coming to an end.
“We’ve seen the players day-in and day-out in training as well as games. Now we know what we have to do for us to push on next season.”
McNamara admitted it will be the end of the present campaign before he makes a decision on the future of Marcus Tornstrand.
The Swedish defender was his first signing as Dundee Utd manager after he joined on a short-term deal at the end of February. The 23-year-old was a free agent after being released by Hammarby, for whom he made more than 50 appearances.
However, despite a host of injuries to first-choice defenders, Tornstrand has been overlooked for selection recently.
McNamara said: “We’ll sit down with the players at the end of the season.
“Marcus hasn’t featured as much as he would have liked. There have been different players playing in front of him in his position.
“We hadn’t seen a lot of him before he came in and in terms of fitness as well, it was his pre-season. It’s been a big ask for the lad to stake a claim right away.”
One of the current defensive casualties is Sean Dillon, who underwent an operation on a long-term ankle injury on Monday.
McNamara paid tribute to the big Irishman, as well as others at the club who have been playing through the pain barrier.
The manager added: “Sean’s operation went well.
“He needed a tidy-up so that he’s ready for pre-season because he’s been playing with it for the last number of months.
“He’s played through the pain barrier so deserves credit for that. To be honest, there are a few boys who fit into that category. They have been carrying wee problems but they are still going out there.
“Keith Watson has been playing with a knee injury and I think it has just taken its toll. He needs to rest to allow it to settle down for next season.”