Nicky is ready to play his part in breaking United’s Hoops jinx
Dundee United striker Nicky Clark will make his first trip to a full Celtic Park today, looking to help make history.
It is 29 years since the Tangerines last won a league game against the Hoops in the East End of Glasgow, that success coming on Boxing Day, 1992.
The late Jim Mclean and Liam Brady were in the respective dugouts, Tony Mowbray – later to follow in Brady’s footsteps – was in the Celtic defence, and the only goal was scored by Duncan Ferguson.
Clark was just 18 months old at the time.
The United striker said: “If I am honest, I don’t think I have ever been part of a team which has managed to overturn a re c o rd like that.
“It’s a long time, but why shouldn’t we go there and change that on Sunday?
“We will go there with a game plan, and with the confidence of the derby win last weekend.
“Livingston’s success was at their ground, not Celtic Park, but for me it definitely showed the way.
“They took their chance, scored a good goal, and then defended really well after that.
“That is what it is like against the Old Firm.
“They are going to have the majority of the ball, and the majority of the chances. But if you can frustrate them, and nick one at the other end, then you have something to hold on to.”
Given he is now 30 years old – and has been around the Scottish game almost his entire playing career – it is something of an oddity that Clark has never played at Celtic Park when the supporters have been in.
“I was actually talking to Charlie Mulgrew about that last night at the pre-match before the Hibs game,” said Clark, seen downcast (left) after the 3-1 defeat.
“He was surprised, but that is just the way it has turned out.
“I played there last year when all the games were behind closed doors, and before that it was at Hampden with Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup semi-final.
“So it is something I am looking forward to.
“I have been there as a spectator before, so I know the atmosphere will be just incredible.”
“It will be tough, we know that. But it is winnable.
“The Rangers game at Tannadice was tough, too, and we won that one with everything we had planned on, and worked on, coming off.
“I think it will be similar to that on Sunday. We will need to be right at it, and hope our game plan works.
“If we can create a couple of chances, though, we will need to be sure to take them.
“That was the lesson for us to take from losing the cup tie to Hibs last Thursday night.”