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Dundee United to target more gems like Robertson

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara will cast the net over Scotland's lower leagues and youth ranks this summer in order to unearth another Andrew Robertson.

The Tangerines gave the full-back a chance in the Scottish Premiership when signing him from then-third division club Queen's Park last summer.

United took a risk by signing Robertson, who was rejected by Celtic as a 15-year old, but it has paid massive dividends with the 20-year old left-back winning a Scotland cap this season as well as being named the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year.

In the wake of that success, McNamara has revealed that the Tayside club will go down a similar path this offseason in order to uncover more cost-effective hidden talent.

"People are quick to look for names and want to spend money but Andrew's rise shows you can get guys and bring them on. If you do it properly and the kids are hungry they'll succeed," he said.

"A few clubs wanted him but I met his parents and I don't think even they can believe what's happened. It's a great achievement to win the Young Player of the Year award. For any youngster to take a second chance like he has is magnificent."

McNamara added: "There is great talent out there, it's just a case of people giving them a chance. It's something we'll look at. We're always looking at the lower leagues for players and there's a few on the radar."

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Andrew Slevison
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