PETER HOUSTON last night labelled Steven Robb the unluckiest player he has ever met.
Dundee United's assistant manager was speaking after he learned that a groin injury had left the midfielder facing two months on the sidelines.
Robb, 25, hobbled off in the weekend defeat to Inverness at Tannadice after aggravating the muscles in his groin.
The injury is the latest blow for the former Dundee player who has started only 11 games in 16 months at United after a series of complaints in his back, hamstrings and groin.
Houston has admitted the United winger must feel like he's jinxed.
He said: "Steven came off against Caley because of a problem with his groin so he's going to be out now.
"It's a dreadful blow for him because he's worked very hard to get fit.
"It's no exaggeration to say he's probably the unluckiest player I've ever met because it seems once he gets over one thing something else comes along to floor him again.
"He did the whole of preseason no problem and was looking good but then his injuries struck again.
"We have not seen all that much of him but when we have he's been dynamic and has added something to the team. It's really frustrating because he has shown he can do a job.
"He'll now go away and work with Jeff, our physio, and hopefully make a quick recovery."
Meanwhile, United have appointed Gary Kirk as the club's new reserve team coach and manager Craig Levein is confident his former Hearts colleague will continue the good work put in place by Tony Docherty, who left for St Johnstone last week.
The boss said: "I'm delighted to get Gary on board because he's a very good coach and someone I know well.
"He worked with John McGlynn in the youths when I was at Hearts and then did some scouting for me during my time at Leicester.
"I know the way he works and he knows the way I like to do things."
