ANOTHER red card was delivered to controversial midfielder Chic Charnley yesterday when he was handed a shock free transfer by Dundee.

The latest blow to hit Charnley's chequered career follows his exclusion from the Tayside club's side for the visit to Dens Park of Clydebank, a match Dundee won 1-0. There had been doubt all week over the 33-year-old's future after Dens manager John McCormack refused to hand him back his place in the side after the suspension that followed red card No.16 of his enigmatic career in the New Year's Day game with St Johnstone at Perth.

Charnley, signed by Jim Duffy just over a year ago from Dumbarton for #20,000, had been absent from the club all week because of a stomach virus, but there had been suggestions he had walked out after being told he would not face Clydebank. However, McCormack insisted last night: ``There was no bust-up between us.

``I went to see Chic at his home and he made it clear to me that he was demanding first-team football. I had to tell him that I could not guarantee that and, in my view, the best solution for everyone was for us to let him go so that he can find another club.

``Since taking this job, I believe I have to make decisions which are right for the club. I always made it clear that jerseys were there for players to keep and, as far as I am concerned, the people I have chosen so far have done that.

``I have made this decision. I will stand by it - and any others I make while I am in charge of Dundee.

Charnley, who was on contract until May, made important contributions during his year at Dens Park, but the controversy that has plagued his career was never far away. He was sent off four times as a Dundee player and his latest, in the Perth match - a 7-2 defeat in McCormack's first match in charge - came for a second booking following a clash with team-mate Robbie Raeside.

qTEENAGE midfielder Craig Easton is in the running for a Dundee United debut call-up in tomorrow's Scottish Cup tie with Stirling Albion at Forthbank.

The 18-year-old, who has been on the fringe of a first team break-through in recent weeks, could make his first start if captain Dave Bowman fails to beat a knee injury problem in time. United are already short of two top midfield players for the third-round tie, because Ray McKinnon and Grant Johnson are ruled out by suspension.

Tannadice manager Tommy McLean said: ``We do have Erik Pederson available again and we will wait and see how Dave Bowman reacts to training today. He certainly has a bit to go at the moment and, as the situation stands, young Craig is definitely in the frame.''