Jim Goodwin offers Dundee United players warning as he explains honest chat over dropping his captain

Jim Goodwin his Dundee United players to prepare for his drop zone if they don’t hit the heights in their relegation fight.

The Tannadice boss left skipper Ryan Edwards out of his line-up that banked a point at Livingston to leave them three adrift in bottom spot. And the Irishman insists no player should take anything for granted in the weeks ahead with his captain an example of having to earn the right to a place in his side. Goodwin said: “Ryan is the club captain and he showed a really good reaction to coming out of the team.

"I told him on Tuesday morning and he trained really well after that. His reaction was positive. He’s a very honest big fella. He understands that his own performances individually haven’t quite been where they need to be at. It’s really important for me that the group knows it doesn’t matter whether you’re one of the most experienced players in the team, the captain, or one of the younger ones. If the performances are not at the level required then you risk having to come out of the team.”

Loick Ayina deputised for Edwards at the heart of United’s defence at Livi and Goodwin praised the on-loan Huddersfield teenager for his assured display. He said: “Ryan’s reaction was excellent.

“He was encouraging the boys before the game and will be an important player for us between now and the end of the season. Sometimes players need to come out of the team just to hit the reset button to go again.

"I was very pleased with Loick coming in, He was excellent – very assured. For a young centre-half he played with a lot of maturity, which was great to see.”

United were also without the influential Dylan Levitt against Livi and Goodwin admits the midfielder faces a wait to see how long he’ll be sidelined.