United manager Alex Smith could be forced to drop skipper Jason de Vos for tomorrow's league clash with St Johnstone. A combination of injury and fatigue have left the Canadian defender doubtful for the Tangerines' visit to McDiarmid Park. De Vos is due to return to Scotland today after reporting for midweek World Cup duty in Toronto. But he did not feature in the 0-0 draw with Mexico due to a knee ligament problem and even if he recovers in time for United's next SPL fixture, Smith seems certain to rest his captain.

The Tannadice manager made it clear to de Vos earlier in the season that if he chose to play for Canada in any midweek game, he may jeopardise his place the following Saturday. Smith said: "All the travelling Jason has done hardly makes ideal preparation for the game against St Johnstone. "At this stage I don't know the extent of his injury so I will assess things nearer kick-off time."

One factor which may sway the final decision on de Vos is the return from suspension of centre-half Jim Lauchlan. The recently-acquired former Kilmarnock defender is a certain starter as Smith tries to establish his own choice of players to lead struggling United's fight back from the bottom of the SPL. Smith said: "I am getting closer to the sort of team I want at Tannadice. "The more my new signings settle in the more convinced I am that results will start happening." ©Daily Record