Irn-Bru Learning Curve for Under 20s

United Manager Ray McKinnon was happy to secure another opportunity to grant some first-team experience to players from the Under-20s squad with the 3-1 victory over Alloa at Tannadice in the IRN-BRU Cup second round.

The victory was secured with two late goals by McMullan and Flood, although McKinnon felt United were never in any great danger throughout the game.

Speaking to ArabZONE after the game, Ray said, "I thought we were very comfortable for most of the match but today was all about game time and first-team experience for the young lads.

"It was a great learning curve for the young players who came in and were up against an experienced team in Alloa. That was the main thing today - these youngsters getting some experience. Games like this are the only place where they can gain that valuable experience."

Alongside Harvey Dailly, Archie Thomas, Logan Chalmers and Joe Piggott, the Manager was also able to give first-team players Willo Flood, Paul McMullan and Patrick N'Koyi some valuable game time and introduce Stewart Murdoch, Sam Stanton and Billy King in the closing stages.

Ray added, "When we brought Stanton and King on, you saw the quality with better delivery into the box and other stuff but today was all about developing the young players. These youngsters will get more experience in the next round and that's important."

The Manager was happy with the performance of debutant Joe Piggot and also enjoyed the finishes of both Paul McMullan and Willo Flood saying, "Joe Piggott has done okay for someone who hasn't played many games this season and his movement off the ball was excellent at times. A couple of great finishes from Paul and Willo secured the victory, so I am happy."

The draw for the third-round of the IRN-BRU Cup takes places live on the SPFL Facebook page on Tuesday.