If we can go to the top we’ll stay top
United ace Briels fires warning
JORDIE BRIELS fired ut a warning to highflying Dunfermline and insisted Dundee United won’t be shifted if they go top of the table today.
Allan Johnston’s Pars have been on fire and top the Championship two points ahead of United in third place.
They’ve been rampant at home scoring 24 goals in just six games but Dutchman Briels insists Ray McKinnon’s men won’t be caught if they can take pole position with a win in today’s clash at East End Park.
Briels said: “We’re looking forward to this one.
“It’s better for us to play against good teams who want to play attacking football. Then we can show the quality we possess.
“There are a lot of physical games in this league and not too much ball possession but if you’re playing for Dundee United you want to play football. If you play against teams who don’t it’s difficult at times.
“If we win and go top of the league we’ll stay on top all season. I am confident of that.”
The midfielder, a summer recruit from Fortuna Sittard, believes he’s getting to grips with the Scottish game.
Briels added: “At the beginning it was a little bit difficult but I’m feeling better in the games.
“Scottish football is very physical. In Holland you play a lot of ball possession but I’m used to the game here now.
“I do like physical stuff, I know you must do that here – win the physical battle before you start playing.”
Dunfermline go into the game on a high and Ryan Williamson admits his Scotland Under-21s call-up has vindicated his decision not to quit the game after two careerthreatening injuries.
And the full-back is desperate to celebrate by helping Dunfermline stay top with three points against United.
He was close to giving up when a dislocated kneecap in 2014 was followed by a horrific double leg-break after his comeback a year later.
Williamson, son of ex-Dunfermline defender Andy, sought the advice of then Hibs midfielder Kevin Thomson and a sports psychologist who helped convince him to stick at it.
Williamson, linked with interest from Derby, is now eyeing a first cap against England on Friday and said: “I’m delighted with the call-up.
“I’m glad my hard work and good start to the season’s been rewarded.
“There was a time after we won the league and we came back and I was struggling. I considered just chucking it.
“As time’s gone by I’ve got more and more confident – and I can’t get a better confidence boost than this call-up.”