Dundee United forward Jesse Randall has issued an apology to his teammates following a key missed opportunity in the club’s 1-1 draw against Rangers. The New Zealand international was presented with a clear chance to score when put through on goal but attempted a lob over goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, which was comfortably saved.
Manager Jim Goodwin acknowledged Randall’s error but expressed confidence in the young player’s potential. “I didn’t want to go over the top after the game because Jesse knew himself that it was a poor choice,” Goodwin said. “In fairness to the kid, he came in and apologised to the group. His overall performance was great. He’s a young lad, a terrific young player. We saw glimpses of that against Rangers.”
Goodwin highlighted Randall’s versatility, noting that he can operate on either flank. “He can play on the right-hand side and he can play on the left-hand side. With the way we’re lining up, with Sapsford, Rose, and Randall, I like him on the right. But I know that he’s very effective off the left as well.” The manager added that Randall was a long-identified target and expects him to be a key player going forward.
Injuries are also a concern for Dundee United following the match. Defenders Lachlan Rose and Bert Esselink both sustained knocks during Friday’s game. Goodwin provided some updates on their conditions, stating, “Bert got a bang but I don’t think it’s anything too serious. The medical team are assessing him and Lachie Rose, who has a bit of a tight groin.” Despite the injury concerns, Goodwin praised Esselink’s performance alongside Michael Forbes during the match.
Commenting further on Randall’s miss, Goodwin explained, “He knows that himself. If he hits it low and hard and it’s going on target but the keeper makes the save, we can all accept that. But to try to chip the keeper wasn’t the right decision. Even if it had gone over the goalkeeper, there was a recovering defender anyway so it probably wouldn’t have gone in. But it won’t affect him in any way. He could have been the hero on the night but unfortunately that wasn’t to be.”
Looking ahead, Dundee United will face Hearts on Sunday. Goodwin expressed optimism regarding his team’s evolving attacking structure. “We know what we’re going to get with Jesse. He’s a good experienced centre-back. We played a different system last year and the back three was quite settled in that second half of the season. The change of system and the way we’re trying to play now in terms of building from the back suits Bert.”
As Dundee United continue to adjust their lineup and tactics early in the season, Randall remains a player to watch as they seek to strengthen their attacking options.