DUFC

MCCONALOGUE ADDS TO ABSENTEES

27th September 2000

Tannadice striker Stephen McConalogue became the latest to join United's lengthy list of absentees when he was laid low by illness. But boss Alex Smith says that he is hopeful that the youngster will have shrugged off the symptoms in time to come into consideration for Sunday's SPL trip west to face champions Rangers at Ibrox. The Manager is banking that the extra day will allow not only McConalogue to return to full fitness in time for the major task.

Defender Hasney Aljofree and midfielder Tassos Venetis returned to training, as did David Partridge. However it's unlikely that the last-named would be risked at the weekend. Neil Heaney remains under the charge of Club physio Dave Rankine for treatment to his achilles problem.

While the Tangerines head into Sunday's game as distinct second-favourites, boss Smith reminds the sceptics: "Ibrox is the perfect stage on which to turn things around. Their midweek trip and test in Turkey will maybe drain them a bit, and we have to be prepared to take advantage of any slight weakness".