Dundee United demand answers from SFA and SPFL as seething Arabs could block Jack Newman Inverness axe

Dundee United have written to the SFA and the SPFL asking for clarity after Inverness called time on Terrors goalie Jack Newman’s loan deal.

The 22-year-old was among five players axed by Caley administrator James Stephen yesterday. However, United are understood to be unhappy with the decision - taken outside a transfer window - that has left Newman facing weeks in limbo. Technically the keeper now cannot play for anyone else until January 1. United have contacted the game’s governing bodies to ask for clarity on his registration and how the administrator is able to axe someone who isn’t Inverness staff.

Meanwhile, United boss Jim Goodwin is licking his lips in anticipation as the Terrors prepare for tomorrow night’s Premiership clash against an unbeaten Aberdeen side at Pittodrie. The former Dons boss admits the sell-out game should be a cracker and has rekindled memories of the glory days when the “New Firm” were in their pomp under Jim McLean and Alex Ferguson. Goodwin said: “It’s all set up to be a great game - two clubs with rich histories in Scottish football.

“Obviously people will look back to the 1980s when the clubs were at their peak, competing at the top of the table domestically and in Europe. So it’s great to have a game like this coming up, it will be a fantastic atmosphere up at Pittodrie.

“It will be a sell-out and an exciting one for the players to look forward to. It will be a difficult game up at Aberdeen but we’re going into it in a really good place.”

Goodwin admits he is delighted with the start United have made to life back in the Premiership. However, the Tannadice boss is refusing to get carried away just yet and his mantra remains the same - picking up enough points to secure top-tier safety.