The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Erskine returns to Jags
DUNDEE UNITED have allowed Chris Erskine to return to Partick Thistle on loan until the end of the season, writes Ian Roache.
Erskine played for the Tangerines in their 3-0 defeat to Ross County on Saturday but manager Jackie McNamara has decided that a move back to Firhill will benefit the player in the short term and United in the long term.
THERE WERE high hopes for Erskine and fellow Jag Paul Paton when they made the summer switch from Maryhill to Tannadice together.
However, while Paton has been an integral part of the United first team and played 27 times for the Tangerines, his colleague has been on the fringes and has managed only nine appearances.
Manager Jackie McNamara said: “Chris has been unlucky with injuries and the form of the others in midfield and hence hasn’t had the run of games he needs.
“I see this as a great opportunity for him to get games and build up his match f itness and confidence at a place he is comfortable playing.
“I believe this will serve Chris well and I see him come back in the summer ready to push on and show what he can bring to Dundee United.”
Erskine hopes his return to Partick results in the Jags’ first home Premiership win of the season when they host St Johnstone tonight.
He said: “To come back and get the first home win of the season would be the ideal scenario, so fingers crossed.
“It is a strange one because it was so good last season, teams were fearing to come here.
“We had such a good record so I don’t know what the problem is, obviously.
“It might just be a wee bit of inexperience being in the top league for the first time but hopefully it will change soon.”
Erskine is hoping the Thistle fans cut him some slack when he takes to the field against the Perth men.
He said: “I spoke to my agent, who said there would have been a few options, but to come back to Partick where I know I’m wanted, and where people know what I can do, takes a wee bit of weight off my shoulders.
“I am hoping the fans don’t hold it against me that I left but at the time, and even now, I think it was the right move for me.
“I loved it here and that’s most of the reason I came back, so I hope the fans accept me back.”