Work in progress - Douglas

Recent signing Barry Douglas believes that his new Dundee United side still has a little bit more work to do before they will be ready for the big kick-off in just under three weeks time.

The Arabs laboured badly during their latest pre-season 1-1 draw against Glentoran at the weekend, when only a last-minute Damian Casalinuovo equaliser spared the visitors blushes and got them out of jail.

And their inept display led to a frank exchange of views from angry manager Peter Houston at the half-time break.

"I suppose you could say we need to fine tune the performances but it will come," Douglas told the The Press and Journal. "We are working really hard in training so that will start to show before long.

"Glentoran gave us a tough game but that`s a good thing because you`d rather have a test than just go out and beat someone.

"Pre-season games, as the manager said recently, are all about fitness and we definitely think we`re getting there," he continued. "Every session I take part in makes me feel sharper and a bit fitter.

"I`ve just come from part-time football so I have a lot to learn and a few of the lads have taken me aside to give me a bit of advice."

The Arabs still have another four friendly games to properly get their act together before their seasonal opener at St Mirren on 14th August.

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