Dundee United: Nadir Ciftci position remains 'unchanged'

Image source, SNS

Image caption, Nadir Ciftci was accused of biting Dundee's Jim McAllister
  • Author, Jim Spence
  • Role, 91热爆 Sport

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara says the club's position on Nadir Ciftci is unchanged after he was charged over an alleged biting incident last month.

The Scottish FA said the Tannadice striker had "committed an act of excessive misconduct by biting Jim McAlister upon his leg".

McNamara was speaking as he unveiled new signing Mark Durnan.

"(Durnan) had greater financial offers from elsewhere but wanted to enhance his football development," he said.

United said at the time they were "fully supportive" of Ciftci, who scored twice in the 3-0 win over Dundee on the final day of the 2014/15 Scottish Premiership season, with a principal hearing date set for 20 July.

"It hasn't changed. It's been a while since the incident happened but we'll just deal with that as we have before," said McNamara.

Ciftci, 23, recently turned down a contract extension that would have tied him to the club beyond 2016, and could face a lengthy ban if found guilty of any biting charge.

One man who has committed to the club is central defender Durnan, who has penned a two-year deal after making the move north from Queen of the South.

McNamara said: "He sees the opportunities for young players at Tannadice. This is where he wants to be and showing this commitment to United pleases me.

"He's very consistent for a 22-year-old. He's aggressive in both boxes which is something we've needed."

Image source, SNS

Image caption, Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara announced the signing of Mark Durnan (right) from Queen of the South.

Durnan, who made 90 appearances for the Doonhamers, helps fill a void with Calum Butcher leaving to join English League One side Burton Albion, and Jaroslaw Fojut heading back to Poland.

He said "I have enjoyed my time at Queen of the South but I'm ready to step up into the Premiership and there is no better place to enhance your development than at Dundee United.

"There were other Premiership clubs interested in me but once I knew Jackie wanted me, my mind was made up. I cannot wait to meet the rest of the squad and show United fans what I will bring to the club.

"What I'm good at is defending, I won't mess about, I'll do my job and pride myself on having clean sheets.

"It's a club that's always getting to cup finals, it's very attractive."