Ruari Returns!

With all the talk of players wanting to leave, or at least wanting to talk to other clubs, it's refreshing to see a former player wanting to come back. The former player is Ruari McClean (hereafter referred to as Ru),who spent some time at the Showgrounds during Kenny Shiels tenure as manager. Ru has developed into a tough tackling midfielder and it's a position United are needing to fill as Nathan Hanly seems destined for either Linfield or Glentoran. Mikey, to the best of our knowledge hasn't committed himself to the Sky Blue cause yet and it'll be interesting to see if the United manager selects either player for tomorrows game. Hanly is due to miss next Tuesday's Irish cup replay at the Oval due to suspension anyway and Walker may want to try something different with that game in mind.

Captain Gazza is doubtful for tomorrow with suspected flu, but they make them tough down in Larne and we'll be surprised if he's not available for the game. He of course will miss the Glentoran game through suspension also and Walker may want to experiment with a new midfield combination tomorrow. With Sparky doubtful due to injury he may have no recourse but to select both Mikey and Hanly, as his options are somewhat limited. Lee Colligan could be drafted into a wide left position, releasing Eamon Murray into a central role where he has played before, but we expect Ryan Berry and Ru to get the central roles even though Ru is cup-tied and can't be selected for Tuesday night's replay. United cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal tomorrow, even though the Irish cup is our best hope of a trophy, a high league finish is not out of our reach and we need to try and get a result.

If Mikey decides to take the 'gravy train' to Belfast, United will be in the market for a fullback and no doubt Walker is scanning the country looking for such a player. Only trouble is there aren't many Mark Carlisle's about at the moment and unearthing somebody of that calibre will be no mean feat. Still there must be someone somewhere who's not getting a fair 'crack of the whip' or feels he isn't and it'll be up to the wily Walker to persuade him to sign for United. Once here maybe we can mould him into a decent team member, for that's what we really want, someone who wants to play for the shirt, if they give us their best, they'll get no complaints from us. Whoever's selected for tomorrow needs to be a team player, committed 100% to the cause, even if he is talking to other clubs. So come on Sky Blues, let's shag those tiger cubs!