Dundee United defender Lee Wilkie has recovered sufficiently from a knee operation to be ready for the start of the new season. The 29-year-old has had to endure a series of career-saving surgeries because of cruciate ligament problems.

"I am used to it now," he said. "This was just a clean up to remove a bit of debris in my knee that was causing a few problems at the end of the season.

"The operation went well and I am looking forward to the new season."

Wilkie did not travel with the rest of the United squad for their pre-season trip to Ireland.

"There was no point in rushing anything just now," he explained.

"The boys are playing a few of games across in Ireland, but I am not quite at that stage yet.

"Another week and a half of hard training with the physio and I should be right back in there."