Dixon plays down Delap comparison

DUNDEE United defender Paul Dixon has laughed off comparisons with Stoke City's long-throw expert Rory Delap.

The 21-year-old left-back, who joined the club from neighbours Dundee in the summer for £25,000, has shown himself to be United's secret weapon this season, with massive throw-ins right into the penalty area.

The tactic helped the Tangerines score against Rangers last week and will continue to be a potent weapon in their armoury, but Dixon laughed: "I wouldn't go as far as comparing my throws to Rory Delap's. For a start, he throws it further than me and can put it right on top of the keeper. I can throw it far, probably to the near post, but he's something else."

• Former Dundee United and Rangers striker Steven Thompson missed out on the chance of facing Chelsea in the Carling Cup at Stamford Bridge last night for Burnley.

Thompson made a six-minute substitute appearance for previous club Cardiff City in the first round at Bournemouth, resulting in him being cup-tied.