The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Striker buzzing after his first goal for United wins the points
Ilmari Niskanen believes Scottish football is the perfect fit for his game after grabbing his first goal for Dundee United.
Niskanen netted his first strike in a year as he helped Dundee United claim a 1-0 win over Ross County on Saturday.
That goal comes on the back of his assist for Ian Harkes’ equaliser at Celtic Park last weekend as he begins to find his feet – and Niskanen wants to bottle the “brilliant feeling” of celebrating in front of the United fans as he heads off to Finland on World Cup qualifying duty.
“It was a brilliant feeling as I love scoring and it has been a while since my last goal,” said Niskanen.
“It was great celebrating in front of our brilliant fan base, so that felt so good.
“My last goal was in October with the Finnish team, as I didn’t play much in Germany.
“That was way too long to wait, so hopefully the next one won’t take so long.
“I love the intensity and the physicality of Scottish football.
“The quality is really high also, but I think my abilities fit in with Scottish football really well.
“So far so good, but there is still plenty of room for me to improve. That will come when I get more games.”
Niskanen has been capped six times for Finland, but he missed out on their Euro 2020 squad after falling out of favour at German side Ingolstadt 04.
However, he was recalled to the national squad earlier this week after getting off the mark at Dundee United.
After missing out on the Euros, Niskanen would love to star at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
“It would be absolutely brilliant,” added Niskanen.
“We are in a good position, but need wins against Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
“I reckon it is possible and it would be a dream come true.
“It is a great chance to represent Finland. It is a brilliant honour to get the call-up. I will focus on that then I definitely want to improve at United and help the team.
“I was a little bit surprised to get the call-up, but I knew if I was doing well here I could get it and it is a brilliant honour.”
United went into this game in fine form after last weekend’s outstanding draw against Celtic.
It has been an impressive start by Tam Courts – who recently celebrated his first 100 days in charge – with the Celtic result coming on the back of wins over Rangers, St Johnstone and Dundee.
With defender Charlie Mulgrew fit again, teenager Kerr Smith dropped to the bench in United’s only change.
A torrential downpour made conditions seriously challenging underfoot and there were mistakes aplenty.
Most of the errors came from a nervy Ross County defence, who gave the ball away frequently.
United, roared on by an expectant crowd, made County keeper Ash Maynard-Brewer work for his money in the first period.
Nicky Clark had their first chance as he met a Peter Pawlett corner to head just over.
Then came the first County mistake as a poor clearance from Jack Burroughs allowed Ian Harkes to send Niskanen in one-on-one with Maynard-Brewer.
This time, though, Niskanen’s 18-yard effort was superbly blocked by the visiting keeper.
Dylan Levitt then skidded a low 25-yard strike wide before Benjamin Siegrist parried a Harry Clarke effort at the other end.
Siegrist did even better moments later as he smothered a free-kick from former Tannadice star Blair Spittal at the second attempt.
United had appeals for a penalty turned away after a strong challenge by Clarke on Scott McMann on 27 minutes, but, four minutes later, the hosts were celebrating a deserved opener.
Harkes turned provider to send in Niskanen and Maynard-Brewer could only palm the striker’s 15-yard shot into the net.
In the second half, Clark could have doubled United’s lead on 58 minutes but he failed to connect with a teasing Jeando Fuchs cross.
The hosts were relieved moments later when Joseph Hungbo cracked a close-range effort off the post.
Play quickly swung to the other end, with Kieran Freeman flashing a drive across the face of goal.
Hungbo forced a save out of Siegrist from 20 yards as Malky Mackay’s side searched for a leveller.
Siegrist then did well again to keep United in front as he blocked a Jordan White header.
And they were saved by the offside flag as sub Dominic Samuel thought he’d levelled it from 10 yards in 80 minutes.
After the game, United defender Scott McMann felt they had shown two sides to their game after seeing off the Staggies.
Former Hamilton leftback McMann said: “It was a tale of two halves. First half, we were excellent.
“We could have been two or three up going into the break and we weren’t. That happens sometimes in the second half.
“They are fighting for their lives and came out strong and we just had to hold on.
“It was just good to get three points.
“I didn’t get the chance to get forward as much in the second half, but as a team we just had to dig in and grind out the result and get the cleansheet – and thankfully we did that.”