Crawford buoyed by a positive week at U's

The Scotland Under-21 international bulked up over the summer and featured last week for the under-23s against Burnley

Ross Crawford admits he is feeling the benefit of the extra work he has put in over the summer after enjoying a strong week for Dundee United’s under-23s.

The young left-back spent the summer bulking up in the gym and is already feeling the improvements made in fitness.

He featured in the 2-1 win over Burnley at Tannadice last week and hopes he can get some more game time this week, starting with Tuesday’s Premier Sports Cup clash with East Fife.

“I’m feeling a lot stronger and fitter,” he said.

“I put on five kilos in the gym over the summer. I think I am still the same speed but it helps with my strength when I am defending.”

Crawfords played a number of times for the first-team last term, including three starts in the Premiership.

And the Scotland Under-21 international is hoping to make further progress this season.

“It was good experience playing for the first-team,” he said.

“I learned so much from Liam Fox. I think I became a more complete full-back by the end of the season.”

“I was happy with the way I finished last season and I hope to keep progressing this season.

Crawford started off playing for United’s under-14s and has worked his way through the ranks at Tannadice.

He admits his ambition is to eventually become a regular for the first-team.

“I have been at United for eight years and I love the club,” he said.

“I would love to break into the first-team here. I believe I am capable and I will keep working hard to achieve that.”