Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has revealed he will ease new signing Mehdi Merghem into action gradually before featuring him in the Premier Sports Cup.
The Algerian international joined the club on a two-year deal after making the move from Bastia in France.
Goodwin confirmed Merghem will not feature against Montrose on Tuesday night but could be involved against Arbroath or in the final group game against The Spartans.
The manager explained: “He is a little behind the group, given the stage he has come in at. We’ll spend a little time on his fitness and get him up to speed.”
Goodwin added: “Hopefully, not in this one but maybe the next couple of League Cup games, we might see him in the squad.”
United are still actively seeking to add another winger to their ranks, though Goodwin is confident Merghem will provide both creativity and goals across the campaign.
The boss said: “He is a fantastic signing for the club. He adds a bit of experience and has played at a very high level. He is an Algerian international as well.”
Goodwin was enthusiastic about the qualities Merghem brings, describing his technical ability and versatility as key factors in his recruitment to Tannadice.
“Mehdi is a player who will excite the fans. He is positive in one-v-one situations. He can play wide, drop into pockets and he has a fantastic left foot,” Goodwin said.
The Dundee United manager also highlighted the player’s ability from range and set pieces, expressing belief that Merghem still has significant room to develop further.
“He will score goals from distance, I am sure of that and he has dead-ball qualities as well. He will be a great addition and I still think he can progress,” he added.
Merghem experienced a difficult spell in Algeria before returning to France, and Goodwin believes that period has left the forward with a burning desire to prove himself.
“He had a good end to the season with Bastia, just going back there to get regular game time. He had some contractual issues with his previous club,” the Irishman noted.
Goodwin was keen to stress that the player United have signed is the one who thrived during successful spells in France, rather than the version who struggled through difficult periods.
“That is the player we are signing. That is the player we know we are getting and we look forward to seeing how he progresses,” he stated.
While Merghem waits in the wings, travelling United supporters could get their first look at new striker Idjesso Metsoko when the club visits Links Park to face Montrose.
Goodwin confirmed simply: “Metsoko will come into the squad and other than that it will be the same squad.”
United head into the fixture on the back of a winning start to their Premier Sports Cup campaign, having claimed three points away to Stirling Albion at the weekend.
Goodwin reflected on that performance, saying: “I thought the overall performance on Saturday was good. All that was lacking was a few more goals.”
The United boss acknowledged that Stirling defended well but remained encouraged by the patterns of play his side produced after just three weeks of working together in pre-season.
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