The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Promotion would beat 2010 – Gomis
UNITED: Midfielder says Premiership return more valuable than cup final win
His medal is a prized possession but Morgaro Gomis believes promotion could be even more valuable to Dundee United than their Scottish Cup win in 2010. The Tangerines travel to Ayr tonight looking for a victory that would push them joint-top of the Championship and be the “marker” result their fans have craved all season.
Midfielder Gomis was a candidate for man-ofthe-match when he made his third debut for the club in their 4-0 win over Montrose in the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round on Saturday. There were flashes of the form that he showed in United’s engine room on their way to lifting silverware nearly nine years ago.
If he can now play a part in a title success then he will party every bit as hard as he did after United beat Ross County at Hampden. Gomis was asked if securing promotion would beat lifting the cup.
Gomis replied: “Yeah – definitely. It is great to win things and I loved the cup success in 2010. However, I feel it is even more important for the club to go up.
“That is the main objective – to get back to the Premiership.
“That is our target and why we will be going to Ayr looking to win that game.
“We will do our best. All the players want the same as the fans – to get the club back where it belongs.”
Three points will draw United level at the top of the table with County so there is no shortage of incentive for Gomis and his colleagues at Somerset Park this evening.
He said: “If any team can go on a run of say three or four wins then they will be in a good position.
“Do that and you can start flying and hopefully we can be that team. If we beat Ayr then we can take it from there.”
Gomis was understandably pleased with his display against the Gable Endies as the Tannadice men secured a last-16 clash against St Mirren in Paisley.
He feels right at home, adding: “I enjoyed the game but it was not just about me because I think the whole team did well.
“The gaffer told us to go out and do the basic things, while respecting the opposition.
“I think we did that on Saturday and it was really good to score four goals and keep a clean sheet.
“It feels like I have never been away. “I know most of the players as I have played against them at one time or another. So it has been easy for me to fit right back in.
“I feel I am a better player than before. I have more to show for my career and am happy with my game.”
While Gomis was strutting his stuff at Links Park, Ayr were suffering a devastating cup loss to junior side Auchinleck Talbot.
He is unsure how much of a cloud will hang over their hosts for the league game.
Gomis added: “We will see how it goes but they will be upset about going out of the cup. They were big favourites to win on Saturday but lost the game.
“I do think that their main focus is on the league and they have done very well this season.
l The last time United were in Ayr, Laurie Ellis was the caretaker manager.
But it is understood he will be parting company with the club after Robbie Neilson’s revamp of his backroom staff.