United sign Pavels Mihadjuks as injury crisis gets worse

Published on Monday 8 February 2010 22:10

DUNDEE United have completed the signing of Latvian defender Pavels Mihadjuks. The long-term target of city rivals Dundee has agreed a deal to the end of the season after his contract with FK Ventspils expired last month.

United manager Peter Houston was already without long-term absentee Lee Wilkie but recent injuries to Andy Webster, Mihael Kovacevic and Paul Dixon left him badly short of defensive cover.

So the Tannadice manager has agreed a contract to the end of the season with the 29-year-old former Inverness man and will use the next few months to decide whether to offer him a longer stay. Houston said: "I saw Pavels during his time with Inverness and was always impressed by him when he played against us.

"With injuries to so many defensive players we were looking short at the back, so it was important to bring someone in who can play in defence. Pavels has experience and a good physical presence. He also knows what the SPL is all about so will fit in straight away.

"We're hoping to have him available for Wednesday's game against Hamilton. He's here until the end of the season initially and that will give us time to see whether it should be extended."

Meanwhile, United defender Dixon faces three weeks on the sidelines with damaged ankle ligaments. The left-back hobbled off against St Johnstone last weekend after tripping up and has suffered severe bruising and swelling.

Fellow full-back Kovacevic is also missing for the foreseeable future because of a facial injury, and since captain Webster is still doubtful for tomorrow's game against Hamilton, United could play midfielder Greg Cameron as an emergency full-back.

Houston was also last night investigating the possibility of recalling youngster Keith Watson from his loan at East Fife. He revealed: "Paul went over on his ankle and it has ballooned right up. It appears he has damaged the ligaments. The physio has taken a look at it and he reckons he'll miss the next three weeks.

"Obviously it's come at a bad time because we've had Webby out and Kovacevic is also missing just now. So we're down to the bare bones at the back.

It's not ideal but that's why you have a squad of players. The lads have shown great resilience this season and no matter what team we pick against Hamilton they'll give their all."