Robbie Neilson eager to strengthen in January

Robbie Neilson plans to add some steel to his Dundee United midfield when the January transfer window opens.

The new Tannadice boss has presided over an upturn in fortunes on Tayside since replacing Csaba Laszlo but he is still concerned about the Terrors' lack of bite in the middle.

Now he will aim to address that as looks to reshape his squad next month.

Neilson – who is relieved to have skipper Fraser Fyvie passed fit for Saturday's trip to Alloa after he limped off during last week's win at Falkirk – told ArabZone: "We've identified quite a few targets and it's a case of trying to line things up before the window opens.

"We're looking to add two or three new faces but if good options come up during the window then it's something we look at as it's important we strengthen.

"We could do with a defensive midfield player – that's a position we're definitely looking at at the moment and there's a couple of other areas we need to improve on too."

Leaders Ross County welcome Michael Gardyne back from injury ahead of their Highland derby clash with Inverness but will be without Iain Vigurs after the midfielder was ruled out with a foot injury.

Ayr United will hope to maintain pace with the Staggies as they take on Queen of the South at Palmerston but Ian McCall will have to do without Jamie Adams, Mark Kerr, Andy Geggan and Alan Forrest, who have all been ruled out.

Paul Paton is suspended for Falkirk's visit of Dunfermline after being sent off following an alleged headbutt on United striker Pavol Safranko last week.

Partick Thistle will be without Stuart Bannigan, while Morton have Michael Tidser and Kerr Waddel missing as all three serve bans during their Firhill showdown.