Source: Team_Talk
Casalinuovo in line for United bow
The Argentinian striker has only just returned to Tannadice following a month's loan at Raith Rovers and his goalscoring exploits at Starks Park have propelled him into contention for the Scottish Premier League trip to McDiarmid Park.
Casalinuovo signed over the summer after impressing during the team's pre-season tour of Ireland but was immediately ruled out of action when he dislocated his shoulder before the season began.
Manager Craig Levein then sent the ex-Velez Sarsfield man to his former club to build match sharpness and a combination of him doing well and David Goodwillie's fall from grace following a nightclub incident last weekend means he is set to make his first appearance at McDiarmid Park.
Levein said: "Damian scored twice during his time at Raith so he's come back here desperate to play.
"That's exactly why we sent him out on loan. I needed to get him fit and give him a taste of Scottish football.
"He has taken to it very well and is ready to play games in the SPL now. He's at the stage we wanted him to get to so he's firmly in my thoughts for the weekend."
Levein's hand may be forced because of a mini-injury crisis which has left doubts hanging over several players.
Morgaro Gomis is likely to be ruled out with a calf injury and could be joined in the stand by Danny Cadamarteri, who has been suffering from a dead leg.
One plus for the Tangerines is that Scott Robertson looks like making it after returning to training today.
With having so many uncertainties surrounding his line-up Levein will break with his own tradition and name his side on Saturday morning rather than 24 hours earlier.
Levein has already praised St Johnstone for the way they have played this season and insists that, despite them not having won a game in the SPL yet, their Co-Operative Insurance Cup victory at Hibernian on Tuesday proves they are capable at this level.
The United boss said: "Not many teams ever go to Easter Road and win by two clear goals so that shows St Johnstone are a good side.
"They have not won a game in the SPL yet but for me that just makes them even more dangerous.
"The reports we've had on their games say they should have won a few of them.
"So they will be desperate to get a victory, especially at home and with the fact they've had a few away games in a row."
