Arabs back in force

There will only be a couple of notable absentees when the Dundee United squad return to training tomorrow.

Despite continual reports over the summer linking leading Arabs players with moves elsewhere, manager Peter Houston will find only a couple of members of the group missing.

Slovakian goalkeeper Dusan Pernis won’t be there as he takes a break following duty at the World Cup, while defender Mihael Kovacevic is still sidelined by injury.

“I always thought that if we kept all our players ? and although it is still early days, I will be delighted to see everyone back ? we would have a good chance of being a success again in the new season,” Houston told The Courier.

“The hard work starts again on Friday, and the players know what to expect ? pre-season won`t be any different to years gone by,” he warned.

“We will work them as hard as we can to get that base fitness into them and then take it from there.”