Gordon Young praises relegated Dundee Utd for staying professional

Dundee United assistant manager Gordon Young had no doubts about selecting players against Inverness who had been told they had no future at the club.

Arabs chairman Stephen Thompson announced earlier this week that a glut of players would be free to leave Tannadice as part of cost-cutting measures brought on by relegation.

However Young, in charge after Mixu Paatelainen's sacking, picked a near full-strength side for the 3-2 win over Caley Thistle on Friday night.

Simon Murray, one who will be kept on, scored twice and Edward Ofere added another.

Jordan Roberts immediately pulled a goal back and Liam Polworth cut the deficit to one but United held on despite Callum Morris' dismissal.

I have absolutely no doubts about playing them. I told them before the game their job descriptions were that they are professional players. They had a job to do,'' said Young.

Every time they go out they are obliged to try to win. Whether it's professional pride, for their families, for a move, or to show the club they should be considered again, it is whatever motivates them.

It's been a horrible week, absolutely horrible. We've had the indignity of relegation at Dundee and the uncertainty around the club afterwards. Sometimes these things are written in the stars in football.

It's been that kind of season. This game summed it up, we take the lead again and nearly lose it.''

Young added that he has received no assurances on his future, only that he will take the team for the remainder of the season.

Caley Thistle manager John Hughes admitted his side gave themselves too much to do by falling three goals behind.

I felt we were the better team and dominated from start to finish,'' he said.

But you are not going to win games with the goals we conceded, especially at the times we lost them.

We were good in possession but never linked it in the final third. But we gave ourselves too much to do.''