Dillon hopes to see academy duo ‘really push on’

While expecting more arrivals at Tannadice, former Dundee United captain Sean Dillon hopes to see academy products Ross Graham and Kai Fotheringham prove themselves in the top flight this season.

Centre-back Graham, 23, and winger Fotheringham, 21, had limited game time in the Premiership prior to the club’s relegation in the 2022-23 campaign.

But the duo played their parts in last term’s Championship-winning season and have both played in each of United’s four recent League Cup group games.

Speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, Dillon said: “Fotheringham was great last year in the Championship and Graham has come through as well.

“So you’re hoping they can really push on. The more experienced lads around them can help them get that level of consistency where they play week in, week out at the top of the game.”

Dillon still expects “potentially five” more new faces to arrive in Jim Goodwin’s side, who host rivals Dundee in their first league game of the season.

Despite “feeling the optimism” from their neighbours, Dillon is “hopeful United will do the business” in a blockbluster opener.

“There’s a great buzz about it,” he adds. “It’ll be a great opener for both clubs. I don’t think they could have picked a better game to kick off the season.”