Smith chasing a happy return

CAMMY SMITH aims to show Dundee United what they were missing last season after he was sent out on loan to Dundalk.

Now back at Tannadice, the 24-year-old is determined to make his mark with new manager Micky Mellon.

Smith scored in the first minute of Saturday’s closeddoors 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock.

The former Aberdeen and St Mirren frontman said: “It was good to get more minutes on the pitch.

“Last season was tough at times, being sent out on loan when I didn’t really want to go out on loan.

“Lockdown has helped me – I used it in the right way.

“When I was at home I used the time to get fitter and clear the head.

“The new manager has come in and been really good with the boys. He has that way by neil RobeRTSon about him that has got the players onside.

“You don’t want to go out there and let him or your team-mates down.

“It’s early days but I aim to keep pushing on so that I can be part of things here.”

Smith admits the former Tranmere boss has raised the pace and intensity in training.

He said: “The games in training have been competitive and there has been tackling, with boys coming off with knocks and stuff.

“It has been realistic. That is what happens on a Saturday so that’s what you need.”

Mellon’s insistence that there is a clean slate for everyone at the club under him has Smith raring to go.

He said: “If you get a chance to impress you have to take it because there are plenty of players here hungry to get in.”