The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)

Secret’ s out as Levitt tells family at last he’ s got the Wales World Cup call-up

Tangerines goalscorer had to keep tight-lipped about dream come true

- ALAN TEMPLE

Dylan Levitt has revealed that the majority of his friends and family had no idea he was bound for the World Cup with Wales after the Dundee United favourite was sworn to secrecy.

However, Levitt did break the news to his parents – because his mum couldn’t handle the stress of waiting any longer.

The 21-year-old was confirmed as part of Rob Page’s 26-man group for Qatar 2022 on Wednesday evening, just 45 minutes prior to United’s 4-0 win over Kilmarnock.

Fittingly, Levitt marked the honour with a virtuoso showing against Killie, capped with a sumptuous curling effort to complete the scoring.

And while the realisatio­n of a boyhood dream happened earlier in the week for Levitt, many of his nearest and dearest were still on tenterhook­s until the last minute.

“I found out a couple of day beforehand but was told to keep it quiet,” smiled Levitt. “I wasn’t actually meant to tell anyone.

“It was a tough secret to keep and most of my friends and family only found out when the squad was announced. I was just waiting for them all to find out – then I got a load of nice messages.

“I did tell my mum straight away – as you do – I don’t think she could handle waiting any longer!

“Emotions were high. They (Levitt’s parents) were very proud, just like every family of every player will be. They have taken me here, there and everywhere during my years in football and it has paid off.”

He added: “It’s the best feeling I’ve had in football. It’s every kid’s dream to go to a major tournament – and the World Cup is the biggest one; the biggest stage. It’s a proud day for me and my family.”

Levitt’s place in the Wales squad has been built upon a wonderful 15 months at Tannadice.

Initially arriving on loan from Manchester United last summer, the silky Welshman because a firm fans’ favourite as the Tangerines secured fourth place in the Premiershi­p and qualified for the Europa Conference League.

Levitt notched six goals in the process and, particular­ly in the final couple of months of the campaign, dazzled.

He made the move from the Red Devils permanent in June and, while he has struggled to match the soaring highs of last term, Levitt has been superb in the Tangerines’ recent encounters with Celtic and Kilmarnock.

“Dundee United has been a massive platform for me,” lauded Levitt.

“They have given me what I needed: games and minutes. They have given me the chance to show what I can do and I’ll always be thankful to United for welcoming me with open arms.

“The dream was to get to the World Cup and it has come true.”

Levitt will link up with the Welsh national team tomorrow ahead of a life-changing experience in the Middle-east.

But first, there is the tantalisin­g prospect of a New Firm showdown against Aberdeen under the lights at Pittodrie.

And Levitt is adamant there is no chance his attention will wander.

“When you are involved in football, you’ve got to flick a switch and focus on what is in front of you,” added Levitt.

“I had a few day before Kilmarnock where my emotions were high but as soon as 7.45pm came on Wednesday, you’ve got to focus and do what’s best for the team. I did it against Kilmarnock and I should be able to do it again.”

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 ?? ?? RISING STAR: Proud Dylan Levitt is ready to play his part for Wales at the World Cup after proving his goalscorin­g knack for Dundee United, below and below left.
RISING STAR: Proud Dylan Levitt is ready to play his part for Wales at the World Cup after proving his goalscorin­g knack for Dundee United, below and below left.

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