Kai’s cup winner a dream come true

AT 17, Dundee United youngster Kai Fotheringham has just fulfilled a lifelong dream by scoring the winning goal for his boyhood heroes Falkirk to clinch a dream trip to Celtic Park.

That dream could become even more magical in the coming weeks as he spends the next 10 games trying to help loan club Bairns clinch the League One title.

By the summer, Fotheringham will be 18 and bidding to fight it out with Lawrence Shankland, Marc McNulty, Nicky Clark and Louis Appere for a place in the United frontline.

And while it could be a career-defining two months for Fotheringham, this is a young player with the talent and attitude to succeed.

Moments after his late winner in the 2-1 Scottish Cup win over Arbroath, Fotheringham conducted an eloquent post-match interview outlining his hopes and aspirations for what will surely be a golden future.

His handling of the questions was every bit as impressive as the finish that marked his first professional strike.

In short, Fotheringham is one to watch and the decision to make the loan switch to Falkirk, alongside United team-mate Lewis Neilson, could prove to be the best one he ever makes.

“It’s a hard point in the season for Dundee United,” said Fotheringham.

“They aren’t in the top six but they are not going to get relegated. As a young player you aren’t going to get much game time in that scenario.

“That’s why it makes a lot of sense for me to come to Falkirk, not just because they are my local team.

“I will get a different experience and try to win games we need to get the title.

“I get a lot of support from Dundee United. The backroom staff are great and will continually drip-feed information to me.

“I need to listen to their feedback, take it on board and keep improving.

“I also know there are players at United I can learn from. Marc McNulty is very experienced and has moved up from Reading, he has helped me a lot so far,

“Lawrence Shankland can score goals for fun and we have talented wide players who can give me advice to try to succeed.”

Fotheringham got off to a blistering start at his hometown team since making the move to Bairns earlier this month.

He was picked out by co-manager Lee Miller – a former United striker – as being the star of the show in Falkirk’s 2-0 League One win over Montrose at the weekend and now he is dreaming of his trip to face Celtic.

“It’s a boyhood dream to score for my local club,” said Fotheringham. “It’s even more amazing to get one that means so much.

“I’ve now got the chance to play for Falkirk at Celtic Park and that’s like a dream come true for me.”

Marc McNulty has been a big help to Kai.