Glenn Middleton has been proudly watching his European glory goal on repeat since Thursday – just like Dundee United ’s fans.
The former Rangers kid left two defenders in his wake before he took a back heel from Jamie McGrath, charged into the box and curled a shot into the far corner to score the only goal of the game against AZ Alkmaar. But his big Europa Conference League moment isn’t what the 22-year-old wants to be known for when he finally hangs up the boots.
No, Middleton has a much grander vision for the stories he’ll tell the grandkids – he wants to be a regular magic man in Europe and the Premiership. He said: “I’ve watched the goal a few times already. I didn’t get much sleep on Thursday night!
“It doesn’t happen that often and when it does happen you need to enjoy it. I’ve had some lovely texts and hopefully I can have a few more nights like this.
“I know I can produce stuff like that and I’m grateful the manager feels the same now. It’s about me doing it consistently, that’s the challenge. I’m grateful the manager and coaching team are willing to work with me to allow it to happen.
“I’m always so grateful for the opportunities I was given at Rangers but it was time to come to another club permanently and do things, like that goal, on important nights. It’s a start but I need to keep doing that consistently and to keep building every week.”
Middleton scored a big goal for Rangers against Spartak Moscow but reckons this one surpassed that – and it will be even bigger if United can finish the job in Holland next week.
He said: “There was all the talk of Dundee United being back on the European stage and we didn’t want to let the occasion bypass us.
“It is definitely the best in terms of the emotions I felt in the game. It was a brilliant night but it doesn’t mean anything unless we carry out things again next week. That is what we will be trying to do.
“Yes, I scored against Spartak Moscow away. That was an unbelievable feeling but this maybe surpasses that. I can’t complain about either of the goals and I hope there are more to come because it would be good to get another next week.”
It was the perfect Tannadice debut and it was even more special because Middleton’s family were in the stands.
He said: “I was absolutely delighted with it. Everybody would have had their scenarios going into the game and how they wanted it to go. It was pretty much how I wanted it to go. It’s an unbelievable feeling to do it in front of my family.
“I looked up to my family in the Eddie Thompson Stand, everyone was there, my mum, dad, sister and girlfriend. I then walked back to the halfway line and it was an unbelievable feeling. It is a moment that will never leave me.”
United picked up an opening day point at Kilmarnock and are unbeaten so far under Jack Ross. Middleton wants to keep that going when Livingston make the trip to Tayside tomorrow.
He said: “It’s a massive game because we want to keep the run going. We want to keep the spirits high and I’m sure we will be doing everything we can to get the points on Sunday.”
Manager Ross has challenged his players to keep hitting the heights they scaled in midweek. He experienced European football at Hibs last year and knows at this stage of the season it’s all about balance.
The United boss, who turns his attention to Livingston tomorrow before that massive return clash in the Netherlands next week, said: “I loved it. I have been lucky in management. I have been involved in some big games and big atmospheres.
“Thursday was right up there and there were times in the second half where the stadium rocked. The noise was incredible. I’m proud to lead a team who gave that display.
“The supporters had a special night. It won’t mean anything in terms of progressing through the tie but people will always look back on the game fondly. There was a new generation of fans who never experienced a European night at Tannadice.
“The players need to stop, take stock and understand that they did something special. We have to keep doing it. We want that level of performance again.
“But I learned last year that it is not easy. Playing Thursday then Sunday is tough, not only physically but mentally, with the emotion involved.
“We are back in and we will see where players are physically and we will plan for Sunday. We will bring a freshness to it. Hopefully, we have enough players in the squad to do that.”
Dylan Levitt took a knock but should be fit while United are also keeping fingers crossed they can get clearance for Aziz Behich to make his debut.
Ross confirmed: “Hopefully Aziz will be available for Sunday. It is something we have been pushing hard on. We had a delay that we didn’t anticipate.”
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