‘We can prove we’re worthy of promotion’

TONIGHT is the perfect chance for Dundee United to prove they are worthy of promotion, according to playmaker Nick van der Velden.

The Tangerines welcome league leaders Hibs to Tannadice under the Friday night lights and will go level at the top with victory.

With that sort of prize at stake for United, the Dutchman reckons it’s the perfect opportunity for them to keep up their recent run of 10 games unbeaten.

Eight of those matches were victories but Hibs also come into the contest on the back of eight unbeaten in the Championship setting up the prospect of a titanic tussle at Tannadice.

“It’s a really big game — I think after this one we can see where we are supposed to be and it’s a really important fixture in the season for us,” said Van der Velden.

“Hibs are a strong team with great players.

“I think we’re an even squad, also. We’re at home, though, so it’s an advantage for us and we have to win this game.”

Victory would set up a Championship title race between the two sides and, of course, t he opportunity for promotion back to the Premiership.

That’s something everyone at United is desperate to bring about.

And with Tannadice set to be jumping after selling more than 10,000 tickets already, the fans will be roaring the players on to make a big step towards that goal, even at this relatively-early stage of the campaign.

Van der Velden added: “It’s always great to play in front of a lot of people and it’s also a big game for the club.

“We want to go up and we have to prove we’re worthy of promotion.

“We have to do everything about it and we’re ready for the game.”

The Tangerines will be looking to give their fans something to cheer about tonight against Championship leaders Hibs.