Russell fit and ready

Dundee United striker Johnny Russell is eager to make a real impression at Tannadice after recovering from an ankle injury suffered in pre-season.

The 20-year-old was an immediate casualty after an injury picked up during a seemingly harmless game of head tennis on the opening day of training.

That had followed a successful loan spell at Raith Rovers last season, which appeared to further enhance his chances of moving his career forward.

"I`ve been desperate to get playing again because injuring myself on the first day of pre-season was so frustrating," Russell explained to The Press and Journal.

"I`d been on loan last year and spoke to the manager during the summer. He told me he was looking for me to really push this season so I came back flying. That gave me a massive boost knowing he was thinking about me," he continued.

"But we had a game of head tennis just to warm up and I felt my ankle go. I was bitterly disappointed because I`d done a lot of work pre-season to make sure I was fit and ready for it.

"But I`m over it now and I`m just glad to be back in contention again."

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