Alex Smith admitted on Monday that signing a striker has become an absolute necessity for Dundee United if they are are to push away from the foot of the SPL table. 'We need to bring in a proven goal-scorer, ideally within the next day or two,' said the Tannadice boss, whose side have gathered just two points from 16 games this season. 'We've made a lot of enquiries and every time we thought we were getting there we've ended up being stumped. Two options are open: either to buy, which we are capable of, or bring in somebody on loan from England.'

'The board have been very supportive by giving me the green light to sign Jim Lauchlan, Charlie Miller and Jamie Fullarton recently, but we can't stop at that. We need a striker, as well.' Smith, whose side have scored only eight goals in 16 league matches, must have noted that former United attacker Gary McSwegan has not been featuring regularly with Hearts. Tannadice fans would welcome him back but what a coup it would be for the club if they could reinstate Billy Dodds, marginalised lately by Rangers. Smith said: 'Stephen McConalogue is a striker of high calibre. But he's only a youngster and we can't push him too quickly.

Then there's Steven Thompson who, not so long ago, was looked upon as the best young striker in the country. 'Billy Dodds' move coincided with Steven losing his way. Hopefully, this will help him get back his sense of perspective. But the need right now is to bring in an established striker and, if it means buying rather than taking somebody on loan, I don't think it would be a great problem.'

United assistant manager John Blackley has been banned from the dugout for three months by the SFA for abusive language towards a linesman at an Under-21 match. ©Soccernet