Bottom Of The League Clash

By Sean Saranczuk
January 31 2003

Dundee United captain Danny Griffin is absent from the Tangerines squad to face Motherwell in new manager Ian McCall's first match in charge.

Dundee United captain Danny Griffin is absent from the Tangerines squad to face Motherwell in new manager Ian McCall's first match in charge.

Northern Ireland international Griffin is recovering from a back operation and though he has resumed training he is some way away from match fitness.

McCall also has a doubt over midfielder Jim Paterson, who suffered a minor injury in training.

Well boss Terry Butcher has a selection headache as goalkeeper Francois Dubourdeau is suspended having been sent off during the Scottish Cup defeat to Kilmarnock.

James McFadden is also banned while Dirk Lehmann (hamstring) and Khaled Kemas (knee) are ruled out.

But Butcher welcomes back Steven Hammel from suspension and he is set to go straight in with stand-in goalkeeper Stevie Woods.