United skipper Jason de Vos is to consult a lawyer as to how to best clear his name in connection with Fabian Caballero’s knee injury, writes Dan Stewart. The Canadian internationalist was sent off for the first time in his career in last week’s Dundee derby after the Argentinian came off worst in a two-on-one challenge which also involved United midfielder Kevin McDonald. However, despite the fact that television evidence apparently exonerates de Vos, he has continued to be pilloried for putting Dundee’s star out of football for four months.

De Vos is well aware that is largely due to the fact that sections of the press misinterpreted Dark Blues boss Ivano Bonetti’s weekend criticisms of his player’s treatment. But it has not made it any the more palatable for him. "I am going to see a lawyer for advice on my situation for I am determined that this has to get sorted out," said the Tangerines defender. "Anyone who has watched me play knows I am not a dirty player and the fact that last week’s red card was the first of my career proves that. "It is hurtful that people should be claiming otherwise, especially as television footage of the incident has been screened on a number of occasions now. "I would like to stress that my problem is not with Dundee, or their manager, and I would join everyone here in wishing Fabian Caballero a quick recovery."

De Vos has been allowed to pull out of his country’s World Cup qualifier against Panama in Winnepeg in a fortnight’s time. With Canada now having no chance of qualifying for the finals in Japan and Korea in 2002, he had argued his presence was not essential and got the OK to stay at home. ©The Courier