The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fans’ chants music to the ears of Turkish star
CIFTCI SAT out Saturday’s 4-1 win over Hearts at Tannadice through suspension and he is also carrying a hamstring injury that makes him extremely doubtful for this weekend’s trip to Kilmarnock.
However, he is confident he will be back well before Christmas and when he does he will find he has a rival for the out-and-out striker’s role.
Brian Graham, depending on which player you believe, scored either once or twice against the Jam Tarts — there remains a question mark over whether it was he or Stuart Armstrong who got the opener.
What is beyond doubt is that Graham had his best match yet for United and also nodded home a powerful header to regain the lead for the home side.
However, Ciftci seems to be completely at ease with having a fellow forward doing so well in his absence.
“I hope to be back as soon as possible but with a hamstring injury you need to watch that you don’t come back too quickly and it goes again,” he said.
“We won’t be taking a risk so we will just wait and time it properly.
“I watched the game onTV as I was back home and Brian scored with a really good header.”
“Having competition is healthy for the club and it is good for the coach to know that when someone gets injured or suspended then another player can come in and do well.”
As for his contract, Ciftci stressed that it is because he feels so at home at Tannadice that he was delighted to extend his deal.
“I didn’t have to think about it too much,” he said. “I was happy to sign a new contract because the club has been looking after me so well.
“The players, staff and the supporters have all made me really plased to be here.
“When I hear the fans chant my name it makes me feel happy and helps me play better.
“It feels like home and I am loving my football.
“I was lost in a footballing sense for a few years but I have found myself now as a United player.
“This is the happiest I have felt all the time I have been playing football.
“Everything fits together here for me. It can’t be better really.
“I feel I have made an impact on the team but it is not just about me, it is about everything feeling right. “It is all about enjoyment for us. “The players are loving the games and the fans are coming out to watch us.”