‘Utd give youth a chance – that’s why I’m here’

JA MI E Robson adm its Dundee United’s tradition of giving youth a chance was a big reason why he signed up at Tannadice as a kid.

However, he admits the downside of that is the feeling of premature ageing it can lead to.

At just 21, the full-back-cummidfielder has chalked up over 100 top-team appearances and already he’s seeing the next generation of young talent coming through.

Delighted as he is about that, he concedes it makes him appear older than he actually is.

“When I was even younger than I am now it was John Souttar, Ryan Gauld, Andy Robertson was here, Stuart Armstrong and other big names who’ve moved on for their own careers, who were here,” he said.

“They were getting a chance playing in the first team and I was thinking it could be me. Obviously, I’m thankful it is me now.

“I played my 100th game against Inverness the other week and I’ve been through a lot of managers in that time.

“I’m thankful to them all for seeing something i n me and giving me the chance to play a lot of games at a young age and do what I want to do.

“I’m only 21 still but when I see the ones who are coming through now, I feel like I’m about 30. It’s crazy but it’s great for them and the club.”

His now extensive first-team experience means he knows most opposition very well and that definitely goes for tomorrow’s opponents Dunfermline, a side against whom he has a great record.

“I’ve only lost to Dunfermline once and I think they are the single team I’ve played against the most,” Robson added.

“I think it’s about 15 times and I’ve done very well. I want that to continue.”

And he’s backing United to do that – if they show the quality and character that featured in their opening second-tier wins against Inverness and Partick.

“I think Dunfermline are even better this season than they were last and it’s going to be a really hard game at East End Park.

“I believe, though, we’ve got the