Kucherenko has what it takes to come through tricky spell - Goodwin

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin says he has had a "good conversation" with under fire goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko, and believes the Ukrainian has the determination and resilience to get through his "difficult period".

Kucharenko - who tops the Scottish Premiership own goal chart with three - cut a dejected figure following an error-strewn display in last weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Falkirk.

"I have had a good conversation in the office at the beginning of the week just to let him know we are all with him and that we understand what he is going through at the moment and he has got the full support and backing of all the staff and players," Goodwin said.

"It is a test of character, you have got to show real determination to come through those difficult moments, you need resilience and I believe Kucherenko has got that."

Goodwin would not disclose whether Kucherenko or Dave Richards will start in goal for Saturday's league trip to Kilmarnock.

"Making these difficult decisions is what I am paid to do and time will tell whether I decide to keep him in or make the change," Goodwin said. "I am not going to give too much away prior to the game.

"We have got an experienced number two there in Dave Richards, we have deliberately built the squad this way in case of any injury, suspension or poor form that we can make a change if necessary.

"Dave is champing at the bit for an opportunity so time will tell tomorrow whether he gets that or not."

United are looking to end a disappointing run of just one win in their past seven league games, against a Killie side that are on a six-match losing run.

"I can imagine things aren't too bubbly in the Kilmarnock dressing room at the moment so we have to try and use that to push us on to try and keep the pressure on them.

"I am not concerned at all, we are not a million miles off the points total we had this time last season. The league is really competitive and all teams go through little dips in form throughout the course of the campaign.

"I have got great confidence and great belief in this group of players. They have shown numerous times this year they are capable of beating any team - we just have to make sure we do that on a consistent basis."