Last chance Lou
Appere targets glory as Tannadice kid eyes spot among club legends
LOUIS APPERE insists Dundee United will throw everything they’ve got at earning a spot in the club’s Scottish Cup hall of fame.
The 22-year-old admits the road to Hampden is now the Tangerines’ driving desire after missing out on the top six in the Premiership while ensuring they are well out of harm’s way in the relegation battle. Micky Mellon’s side face League One Forfar at Station Park tonight and Appere is well aware of the club’s rich cup heritage, which he is desperate to add to. The frontman said: “After confirming that we’re staying up, it’s the only competition left and the biggest of the cups, so we’ll see what we can do. “We’re aware of the club’s tradition in the Cup. You want to dream of that trip to Hampden and the final. “The important thing is Friday, then go from there. If we progress, we can see how the other results go. “We’ve got a good side here right now. We know in the past there have been some unbelievable teams – there’s a great history. “But we’re looking at the here and now and what we can do as a squad of players. It’s a cup game and we believe in what we can do. We have to make sure we do it all right.” Appere has a medal collection from his youth career but he’d love to add big-time silverware and force his way in as a regular starter at Tannadice.
The youngster is battling with Lawrence Shankland, Marc McNulty and Nicky Clark for a jersey but has impressed whenever given the chance.
Appere said: “I’ve got a couple of medals from boys’ club but professionally, the Hibs match last year is the biggest cup game I’ve played in.
“The one at Tannadice was an enjoyable one for me especially, so I’ve got fond memories and hopefully we can go a bit further this year.
“Years back at East Fife we won the Fife Cup, at AM Soccer we won a couple of cups as well. The names keep changing. At Broughty there were one or two.
“Like anyone, you want to play as much as possible.
“When I get my chance I want to use it, so if I get that chance I’ll look to do my best.
“We’ve got great competition in the forward spaces but I believe in my ability too and I can bring a lot to the team.
“I want to be a part of things as much as possible.”
Appere insists Station Park will hold no surprises – as he has played on the plastic pitch numerous times for the United second string.
He said: “I’ve played a lot of reserve games there. I suppose it helps having the experience on the Astroturf. It’s a little bit of a challenge but we’re used to it and we’ve trained on it.”
United manager Mellon has warned his men not to get caught out dreaming.
He said: “If you take your eye off the ball and don’t take care of your own business, you are going to be in trouble.”