THE OLD ONES ARE THE BEST
Sibbald reckons seasoned campaigners give United crucial edge for the run-in
Craig Sibbald believes the experienced spine of the dundee United team could prove key to Championship title glory.
The table-topping Terrors sit one point ahead of Raith with just eight games of the season remaining.
The nailbiting title race looks like it could go right down to the wire but Sibbald reckons having seasoned campaigners such as Louis Moult, Tony Watt, Ross Docherty, Declan Gallagher and Kevin Holt in the ranks gives United a telling advantage.
And the midfielder said: “You want to have that experience when you go into those final few big games.
“I’m sure that will help us in the matches to come.
“They’re always giving their opinion and passing on their knowledge and their experiences. It helps the younger boys, especially.”
Aged 28, Sibbald also regards himself as one of the older heads in the team and the midfielder admitted he is desperate to start adding honours to his CV.
He added: “To be fair I look at myself as one of the experienced players now.
“I have played a lot of games and if I can give some of the boys pointers, I’ll try to do that as well.
“I want to win stuff and I will be looking to do that this season. It would be brilliant to win promotion.
“I want Dundee United back up to where they belong – that’s the incentive, to get the club back to the Premiership.
“Everyone wants to play in the highest league so it would mean a lot.”
While he recognises the importance of senior players to United’s promotion battle, Sibbald also admitted the youngsters at the club also have a vital role to play. Miller Thomson is the latest player to roll off the production line. And the attacking midfielder, 19, has been a revelation, starting the last five games at right-back. Sibbald said: “Recently you have seen Miller getting a game and he is doing really well. He’s a wiry wee player, he’s fast and unpredictable. Miller is good to have in your team and hopefully that helps us going forward.”
Sibbald could be going forward next season in a United shirt – after triggering an appearance-linked option to extend his deal for another year.
However, the midfielder has put all thoughts of contract discussions to one side at the moment.
Sibbald said: “We are just going to talk about that at the end of the season.” But one thing that the former Falkirk player is certain of is a “warm” reception from the Dunfermline fans at East End Park tonight.
And Sibbald added: “It’s always a tough game against Dunfermline.
“So we have been working on stuff this week and will try to implement that on Friday to take all three points.
“I usually get a bit of stick from the Dunfermline fans but I am used to it.
“I don’t think they forget but it kind of drives you forward – and it makes me play better so I’m happy with it.”