Dundee United vs Alloa Athletic preview - Banned duo back for Dark Blues

Posted Friday, August 16, 2013 by PA

Dundee meet Alloa in a league game for the first time in over 35 years and the Dark Blues welcome back James Thomson and Gary Irvine after suspension.

Nicky Riley misses out due to a knee injury and Stephen O'Donnell remains out long term, with Dens Park manager John Brown telling his players to be wary.

Brown said: "We met Alloa three weeks ago in a Ramsdens Cup tie and the only way we could be separated was by the penalty we scored.

"That is warning enough that we are in for a really tough 90 minutes against a side that work really hard for each other and their manager."

Alloa got life in the Championship off to a great start last Saturday with a win over Livingston and manager Paul Hartley adds fit-again defender Jason Marr to his match winning squad.

Willie Robertson is free of suspension, with only Darren Young (calf) and Iain Flannigan (ankle) missing due to injury.

Hartley said: "Dundee will be looking for a reaction after losing to Queen of the South so we need to be prepared for that.

"This is one of the games that makes all the hard work in getting promoted worthwhile as we are playing in a cracking stadium against a big club. We will look to enjoy it."