MANAGER REMAINS UPBEAT DESPITE DEFEAT

Albeit beaten 1-0, United Manager Alex Smith was relatively satisfied with his side's display last Saturday at Parkhead. Back at the office on Monday, he averred: "As we very much anticipated, Saturday's encounter with Celtic turned out to be a most difficult and stamina-sapping affair, but I was reasonably pleased with the way our young team stood up to the difficulties that Celtic present. As always, the Parkhead side played some excellent football and are very capable of slowing the game down then accelerating and changing the game to a very quick pace. And, obviously it goes without saying that they have players of outstanding skill. Having said this, I feel our players coped rather well, defended stoutly and were only pierced once which I think is a compliment to them. Whilst we did not have as much of the ball as Celtic, we were still in a position to threaten the game in the final minutes, but unfortunately did not succeed at that time. I am not usually pleased when we lose match but in Saturday's case, I felt we took a lot from the game."

Smith was pleased to confirm his delight with individual player performances: "Gallacher was once again on top of his game, so were the back four and Danny Griffin in particular. Likewise, Charlie Miller put in a supreme performance and, to a slightly lesser degree, Steven Thompson, who worked hard up front without receiving a great deal of service. I was also greatly pleased to see Stuart Duff do so well in what was only his third first team outing - he stood up to the test very well and is definitely one for the future."