BOSS TOLD ME IT WAS DO OR DIET
Toshney bins takeaways to shape up for United bid
LEWIS TOSHNEY has ditched his favourite Chinese food – but could be tempted to savour one as a rare treat should Dundee United taste derby-day victory. The United defender, 25, has undergone a transformation over the summer after manager Ray McKinnon ordered him to make sweeping changes to his diet in order to fulfil his true potential. Blighted by injury in his first season at Tannadice, Toshney insists he’s in peak condition thanks to his healthy new regime as his side plot a return to the Premiership. Toshney is relishing tomorrow’s derby at Dens Park in the Betfred Cup and, should new-look United manage to put one over their top-flight rivals, the former Celtic youngster admits he might just relax for one night and celebrate with his favourite food. He said: “I’m feeling much fitter. This is a big season for me. Last year I’d so many injuries that I played through. It was a nightmare. “The gaffer told me I had to knuckle down and change my lifestyle. Eating correctly is now a big thing for me. “I want to build myself up and be a box-to-box full-back. I’m getting there. I’ve cut out takeaways after games. I like Chinese meals but they’ve gone. Maybe I’ll get one if we win! “I do feel different. The eating had nothing to do with the injuries. I was playing with a broken toe and getting injections. Hopefully the problem with my knee is gone and I can stay clear of injuries.”
Dundonian Toshney is well aware of the importance of this derby to both sides. In 2012-2013 he featured for the Dark Blues during a loan spell from Celtic and experienced the unique atmosphere.
He is bracing himself for a red-hot reception from the home fans but doesn’t care as long as they can leave Dens with a fourth cup win to top Group C and gain momentum going into next weekend’s Championship opener at Inverness.
And Toshney added: “Whatever reception I get won’t bother me. I can’t wait. It wasn’t as if I supported either team as a kid, I grew up a Celtic fan, my grandad used to take me.
“All that matters is I’m a Dundee United player now and I’ll be giving everything for them.
“I’m from the area – half of my mates are Dundee fans and half are United. So I get it from both sides.
“I know what it means to the city and the fans. Bragging rights are for the supporters. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a massive game for the players as well. We want to finish top of the group and be seeded for the last 16.
“It’s about more than the Cup. The club need this win and the fans want those bragging rights. To go into that game at Inverness on the back of four cup wins – one in a derby – would be a huge confidence boost.”
LEWIS TOSHNEY