4 Dundee United talking points: A debut, comeback star, dogged Dundee derby and missing Max Biamou

It was never going to be a night for pretty football as Dundee United battled it out with city rivals Dundee.

But while the game ended in a 0-0 stalemate, this was far from a dull encounter.

It was frantic, nervy and, at times, pulsating.

Ultimately, though, it ended without a winner as Dundee dropped to bottom spot.

At the same time, United failed to leapfrog Aberdeen into sixth.

Courier Sport was at Dens Park and here are four talking points from the clash:

Tam Courts heaped the praise on Dundee United youngster Ross Graham after a Dundee derby debut.

And it’s hard to argue with that assessment.

Graham joined Dunfermline on a season’s loan after penning a new three-year contract in the summer.

But short-term stint at Pars was cut short by United and he has been given an opportunity to impress at Tannadice.

Graham became the 12th academy graduate to feature this season when he made his debut as a sub at Celtic Park.

And he was against trusted by Courts in the derby, producing an assured, commanding display.

It’s been a long wait for Liam Smith to play football again.

But after five months on the sidelines, the wing-back finally got back on the pitch as he replaced Kieran Freeman as a second-half substitute.