Dumbarton vs Dundee United - Ray McKinnon calls on Dundee United to step up promotion push

Posted Saturday, December 31, 2016 by PA

Dundee United manager Ray McKinnon has warned that he will not slow down his drive to improve the club after going top of the Ladbrokes Championship.

United are two points ahead of Hibernian ahead of their trip to face Dumbarton after moving to the summit just before Christmas.

McKinnon's side are unbeaten in 12 league games and probably further ahead than most fans envisaged when the former Tannadice midfielder took over a club reeling from relegation and a squad in a state of flux in June.

McKinnon told ArabZone: "I said at the start of the season, let's see where we are at Christmas/January time and we'd have a better idea of the way the squad has shaped up. Obviously we're delighted to be top of the league, that's a fact.

"It emphasises how tough this league is and what a run we are on. Hibs are a really good side and they find ourselves two points behind us because it's difficult to win games, especially with the way teams set up.

"I'm really pleased with the squad and their attitude and all the hard work that's gone on behind the scenes. We are delighted to be sitting where we are.

"It's been a gradual process of building, building and building. We are nowhere near finished, make no bones about that, but the fact the players are working so hard for each other and we have added some decent players and find ourselves top of the league, then I am obviously delighted.

"But we don't stop there, we want to keep on improving the team, improving the performances and the quality of the squad. It's a never-ending process.

"I'm delighted to be top of the league right now but the challenge is to stay there. Every game is going to bring its challenges. Saturday is another one that's going to be really difficult: an experienced team, a difficult place to go, the surroundings, the fact they are going to raise their game playing Dundee United. All these things we need to overcome game by game, there are no easy games in this league."

Hibs face a trip to Falkirk and left-back Lewis Stevenson is not getting concerned over losing top spot.

"We can't look into it too much just now," Stevensontold Hibs TV. "It's a better position than we have been in the last two seasons so we need to look at the positives.

"There is a long way to go and as long as we are top at the end of April/start of May then that's the most important thing."

There is an intriguing Renfrewshire derby in Paisley where improving bottom club St Mirren face third-placed Morton, while Queen of the South aim to end a 12-game run without a league win when they host Ayr.