CIFTCI HUNGRY TO ACHIEVE HIS BIG EURO DREAM

NADIR CIFTCI claims he would be very happy to remain at Dundee United next season to help launch a potential assault on Europe. The Turkish striker has been linked with a move to Celtic alongside team-mate John Souttar, but insists he is prepared to discuss a new deal with Jackie McNamara. First, however, he wants to help United beat St Johnstone to fourth place — which would secure a Europa League slot if today’s hosts Inverness Caley Thistle, who have already qualified, lift the Scottish Cup later this month. ‘It would mean a lot to get United into Europe,’ said Ciftci (below). ‘I’ve never played in it before, so it would be a good achievement for myself and, of course, I would like to be here for that. I’m still under contract and concentrating on finishing the season well on a personal note and for the team.’ United boss McNamara revealed recently that he wants to kick-off contract talks, but the striker said: ‘I’ve not heard anything. If my agent is phoned then we can speak about it. ‘I would be happy to sit down and talk abut a new contract with the manager. If that’s what he is saying then we can look at it. ‘I’m very happy here. I always have a smile on my face when I’m playing. Sometimes I am angry but that is just the passion. I’m happy so long as I’m playing and things are going well. ‘There were teams I could have gone to before I signed here but this is where I wanted to come. The manager showed me loyalty and has given me the chance to show what I can do.’ Inverness boss John Hughes admits he owes St Johnstone a powerful performance today against the side fighting them for fourth spot. Having already secured third in the top flight, he is ready to ring the changes but says his fringe players are fighting for a place in his Cup Final line-up to face Falkirk. ‘There’s an opportunity to freshen it up,’ said Hughes, ‘but it’s difficult because we also owe St Johnstone a good performance. I’m hoping I’ve got players sitting on the bench and they will be saying: “I deserve to be in the team.” ‘I hope I’ve also got players in the team saying: “I’m not wanting to drop out.” That gives me a dilemma for Saturday and again next week. If you’re in and you’re man of the match, there’s a good chance you might be staying for the Cup Final.’