Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
McClelland vowing to keep place in United’s title drive
SAM McClelland is adamant he never doubted he could make his mark at Dundee United – and now he has no intention of surrendering the jersey without a fight.
McClelland, 22, understatedly notes “patience has probably been the key word” after biding his time following a February loan switch from St Johnstone.
However, the Northern Ireland U-21 international was steeled for action when duty called, deputising for Declan Gallagher against Raith Rovers after the experienced defender was ruled out with a minor groin tweak.
McClelland turned in a faultless display alongside the equally excellent Ross Graham as United claimed a pivotal 2-0 triumph to move four points clear at the summit of the Championship.
Remarkably, it was McClelland’s first competitive 90 minutes since lining up for Saints against Hibernian on September 23.
“It is part of football that you might need to bide your time,” said McClelland.
“I’ve kept training and looking after myself; making sure I was ready.
“Hopefully, I showed on Saturday what I can do if I get my chance.
“I’d been feeling good in training and it’s just a case of knowing I am good enough and trusting myself to deliver.”
He added: “It’s about professionalism and looking after yourself.
“It has been difficult because I want to play every week. That’s something I did last season with Barrow.
“This season has been more difficult. I picked up quite a bad (ankle) injury a few months into the season which kept me out for a while, but I worked hard to get back fit.
“Saturday was my first proper competitive game since I got injured (in October).
“It’s a long time to go without playing. I’m just glad it went well, and I was able to come through the frustration of this season – off the pitch – and deliver when needed.”
Now McClelland has a starting berth, he has no desire to give
it up. While full of praise for the experience and quality of Gallagher and Kevin Holt – he has relished lapping up lessons from that duo – he now wants to play a starring role in the run-in.
And it would be incredibly harsh if either he or Graham are dropped for the upcoming fixture against Queen’s Park after their stellar showings at the weekend.
“To be around top, experienced centre-backs like Declan (Gallagher) and Holty (Kevin Holt) is brilliant for me and Ross (Graham) as young centre-backs,” said McClelland. “They’ve had great careers.
“But I want to keep going, pushing and play every game.”
Indeed, McClelland visibly relished the physicality of
the Raith showdown, winning everything in the air and crunching into tackles.
While not a nasty game, 11 bookings tell the tale of a testy contest.
“It was always going to be that sort of game,” said McClelland. “With two teams at the top of the table – a lot was at stake. There was a frantic start to the game, and it was definitely rough-andtumble at times.
“But that’s when you need us, as defenders, to keep sticking in there; keep making challenges. I thought we did that well and I enjoyed the challenge.”
As well as being heralded by fans and team-mates alike, McClelland also received plaudits from United manager
Jim Goodwin – who revealed the young stopper was a Tangerines target last summer.
“That’s nice to hear,” said McClelland. “You want to impress and have as many eyes on you as possible; have as many good things said about you as possible.
“Every time I play, I want to deliver for the manager and repay that trust he has in me.”