Praise For 2nd-Half Substitutes Against Celtic

Manager Craig Levein praised both Craig Conway and Fran Sandaza for their part in turning the match against Celtic on Sunday afternoon.

Late in the 2nd half, Celtic were 1-0 and trying to kill off the match, until some inspired substitutions by the Dundee United manager.

Sandaza made his competitive home debut, replacing Cardiff City loan signing Warren Feeney in the 64th minute, while Craig Conway returned from long-term injury for Willo Flood in the 78th minute.

Both Sandaza and Conway made a huge impact upfront for United, but the Celtic defence on the back foot and it was no surprise when they were both involved in the equalising goal.

A few minutes after coming on, Conway fought his way into the Celtic penalty box, before a square ball found Sandaza at the near post.

The former Valencia striker cleverly got infront of his marker and flicked the ball over the head of Polish keeper Artur Boruc from a tight angel to make it 1-1.

"It was almost like having two new players," admitted Levein when asked about Conway and Sandaza after the match.

"Conways been out with one problem after another and hasn`t really had an opportunity to play his football recently. I was planning to wait another week, but he did really well in the reserve game on Tuesday and it was great to see him back because he gives us something we don`t have."

"Sandaza, once we get him fit, I think will be a big asset for us. He has got an eye for goal and he`s a big lad, a willing worker and I think the supporters have taken to him. He took his goal well."

Although, Levein was careful to point out that both his on-loan strike force of Sunderland`s Roy O`Donovan and Cardiff City`s Warren Feeney also had an important part to play in the match.

He continued, "I must say that Feeney and O`Donovan worked their socks off. They really ran for the whole period they were on the pitch and I think that allowed Sandaza a little more room when he came on."

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