I’m out to be a smash hit in the SPFL like my City pal Jeremie
DUNDEE UTD ETIHAD REUNION
LUKE BOLTON is looking forward to squaring up to old Manchester City pal Jeremie Frimpong and proving he can be a smash hit like the Celtic starlet.
The Dundee United new boy was part of the same City youth side as Frimpong and watched his former teammate take the Premiership by storm last season.
Winger Bolton has arrived at Tannadice on a season-long loan from the Etihad.
He said: “There have been a few lads from City who have done well in Scotland, like Jeremie and Brandon Barker.
“I haven’t spoken to them before coming here but I’ve talked to them in the past and they all have good things to say about Scottish football.
“Brandon enjoyed his time at Hibs and is now at Rangers. Jeremie is a great young lad, a bit of a character! He’s really
BY MICHAEL GANNON enjoying his time at Celtic. He is a year younger than me but we played together in the same Under-23 side, so I know what he’s all about.
“That’s Jeremie to a tee – he hasn’t changed! He just says it like it is, he’s a joker, and a top lad.
“Is he an inspiration? Definitely. It all contributes. I know Jeremie’s qualities but I know mine as well. If Jeremie can do it, so can I.
“Seeing his success only makes me hungrier.
“I could be up against him. I’ve been playing full-back but I see myself as more of a winger or a wing-back and I think that’s where the gaffer sees me as well.
“I’ll play wherever I’m asked to play though.”
Bolton may be looking to follow in Frimpong’s footsteps but he admits it’s outgoing
City legend David Silva who is his biggest inspiration.
He said: “David is a very smart man, very humble and always welcoming of the young lads, as long as they are respectful and that’s what I was.
“Obviously he has won the World Cup and titles and as a City fan he was one of my idols growing up.
“To share a changing room with him was unbelievable. You could pick his brains about anything, he’s always happy to give you his opinion.
“He’s always one of the best players on the pitch, his quality always shines through, he’s just a smart footballer.
“He’s inspirational and what he has done at City has been huge – he’ll go down as a legend. You can take things from all the City firstteam lads, just watching them when training alongside them, seeing how dedicated and aware they are.
“If you do that you won’t go far wrong in your career.”
Bolton has done his homework on Scottish football and was bowled over by United boss Micky Mellon when they were locked in transfer talks. He said: “My agent has a few Scottish lads, like Jamie Lindsay, Declan McManus and Martin Boyle, and they raved about the club. I spoke to Micky at length about the size of the club and his plans and I believe in what he wants to do.
“I want to help Dundee United push on and finish as high as we can. Personally I want to contribute as much as I can.
“If that’s on the wing I want to get at people and excite the fans, once they are back in. I want to show my qualities.”
The attacker is playing catch up in pre-season but insists he’s ready to roll against St Johnstone in this weekend’s opener.
He said: “I’m feeling good. I’m probably a week behind the boys so it will be up to the manager and sports staff but I feel in a good place and fit to play. I could easily put a
shift in.”