CLOSED DOOR RUN-OUT FOR TWO TRIALISTS

Manager Paul Sturrock was planning to use two trialists as he took his team out of town for a closed-door friendly on Thursday evening. One was the midfielder who has been at the club for several weeks now and took part in Maurice Malpas's testimonial against Everton on Tuesday night. Negotiations to sign him are well advanced and he should be a United player in time to be included in the squad for Sunday's league opener against Celtic.

The other player is a striker with international experience and whether or not his stay at Tannadice is prolonged will depend on his performance in this game. "The ball is in his court. If he does well I'll speak to his agent and see if we can reach a deal. He does come highly recommended and has a good pedigree," says Paul.