The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Stanton warns United Cummings will be the dangerman for Dundee
Former Dundee United star Sam Stanton reckons the scene is set for old Hibs team-mate Jason Cummings to become a Dundee derby hero.
Stanton is a big fan of Dark Blues striker Cummings after the pair lined up together at Easter Road and insists the 26-year-old striker will be relishing Sunday’s derby showdown at Tannadice.
Cummings already knows what it takes to be a derby day talisman, having inspired Hibs to a thrilling comeback against bitter rivals Hearts in 2016 when the Hibees finally went on to end their 114-year drought to lift the Scottish Cup.
And Stanton, who left Tannadice in 2020 and is now starring for Irish outfit Dundalk, is convinced Cummings can come up trumps in Sunday’s televised Tayside tussle.
Stanton said: “Knowing Jason, he will be counting down the days to Sunday.
“He’ll have been looking forward to it for some time.
“It’s exactly his kind of occasion.
“He’s a big-game player and they don’t come much bigger than the first Dundee derby of the season.
“He used to love the Edinburgh derbies, the build-up and all the excitement that surrounded the day itself.
“So this will be no different.
“Tannadice will be rocking come kick-off on Sunday and the Dundee fans will be looking to somebody like him to deliver and make the difference on the day.
“He’s definitely got that knack of producing something special on the big stage. That’s what he thrives on.
“The United defence will be well aware of his threat in and around the box – and that of Leigh Griffiths as well.
“So they know they’ll have to be on their toes, but Jason can be difficult to keep quiet as he’s always a threat.
“Whether he starts or is used coming off the bench, Dundee know they have a potential match winner in their ranks.”
Stanton savoured the unique atmosphere of the Dundee derby during his three-year stint on Tayside and the 27-year-old midfielder can’t wait to settle down and tune in to Sunday’s eagerly awaited clash to see how Cummings takes to the occasion
He added: “This will be the first one Jason has tasted since going to Dens Park. So it’s new to him in that sense.
“Personally, I can tell him it means just as much to both sets of supporters in the city of Dundee as the Edinburgh derby does through in the capital.
“I’ll definitely be tuning in to it on Sunday at lunchtime for sure, and I’m expecting a really exciting 90 minutes.
“I’ve still got a lot of good friends at Tannadice and they’ve probably started the season that bit better.
“After all, they’ve already beaten Rangers at Tannadice earlier in the season so won’t be short of confidence, but form goes right out of the window when it comes to derby day.
“And when somebody like Cummings is around, he’s capable of anything.”