Boss backing Gauld to shine for top club

Farense boss Sergio Vieira says former Dundee United starlet Ryan Gauld has the talent to shine in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Gauld, 24, will play in Portugal’s Liga NOS next season after Farense’s promotion.

Vieira’s side were sitting in the runners-up spot behind Nacional after 24 matches when Liga Pro was called earlier this month.

The 37-year-old coach said: “Ryan’s role in our squad was vital and so important for the performances of the team.

“He has given us fantastic individual quality, played most of every 90 minutes and has been crucial in contributing with assists and goals.

“He’s a great player, technically very developed and, with the ball at his feet, capable of realising actions that only the best players do.

“Ryan’s got quality in his passing and dribbling and he’s now shown he can score goals too.

“There were still 10 games to go when the league stopped so imagine how many he could have scored by the end.

“He’s aggressive and competitive, despite his smaller size and tactically very intelligent. I feel he’s the complete player and as a person, he’s humble, ambitious and self-determined.

“He’s been easy to deal with, always listening and ready to improve.

“I firmly believe that Ryan can play in the best European leagues – and for one of the best clubs in those leagues.”

Vieira reckons international recognition with Steve Clarke’s Scotland side is the next step for the playmaker.

He added: “When I compare Ryan to the average Brazilian player, I think he has more.

“I know that because I coached in Brazil’s first division for three years. I can strongly say that Ryan is a top player even when compared to the best in Brazil.

“I’m pretty sure he’ll have his chance in the Scottish national team in the near future.

“Scotland have some good players in Ryan’s position like Ryan Christie, John Mcginn and Callum Mcgregor.

“But I believe as soon as Gauld is given the chance to play for the national side, he will perform well and keep his place in the team.”