YOUNGSTERS' CONTRACTS

Dundee United today secured the signing of Northern Ireland Under-19s international goalkeeper Brett Long and extended the contract of midfielder Gavin Ritchie; both are on two-year deals. Brett joins United after leaving Motherwell. His three years with the Steelmen culminated in victory in the Youth Cup last season and he was part of the Northern Ireland Under-19s squad which reached the elite stage of the Euro Championships. Gavin, 17, was born in Perth and grew up playing for United from an early age. He attended St John’s High School in Dundee and was part of the schools project where he was coached by Steven Leahy.