Kirk keen to see Kenneth earn switch to England

The 24-year-old defender has informed the club he intends to leave Tannadice when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Kenneth hopes to follow former team-mates Craig Conway, Prince Buaben and Morgaro Gomis south of the Border.

That trio won their moves to the Championship on the back of impressing for United last season and Kirk hopes Kenneth can do the same.

He said: “Garry is in the same boat as lads like Craig Conway, Prince Buaben and Morgaro Gomis were last year. He’s out of contract and has stated that he wants to move on.

“But he will give 100 per cent for the first-team and keep playing well for Dundee United. If he wants to get a move he’s got to play well to get one.

“Last year we knew we were losing a few guys but they did the business and got good moves on the back of it.

“The challenge for Garry is to perform for Dundee United and do the same. When the boys left last season we shook hands and wished them all the best. This is what happens in football.

“With freedom of contract these days and players over the age of 24 being able to move on for nothing a lot of teams will be in the same position. Garry will see his old team-mates down in England playing for big clubs so of course he wants to try that as well.

“The thing at the moment is to keep producing the goods for United. We don’t have any problems with it, he’s been great for us and he’ll be in the team so long as he’s performing well.”