The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Gavin gunning for Jelavic
DUNDEE UNITED centre-half Gavin Gunning is looking forward to locking horns once more with Everton striker Nikica Jelavic — to show him he has learned the lessons handed out the first time the two players met.
The Tangerines face David Moyes’ Premier League side in an eagerly-anticipated glamour friendly at Tannadice tonight.
It is an occasion Gunning is relishing, despite the fact he was given a torrid time by the Croatian frontman when he was still at Rangers last November.
He said: “Jelavic is a top-class international striker and I know that for sure.
“When I played against him at Ibrox, he scored a couple of headers that day and was a sheer standout.
“It was a big learning curve for me because his movement and strength were both phenomenal.
“You could see that by the way he held his own at Euro 2012 as well that he’s up there with the best.
“He’s done exceptionally well since going down to the Premiership by scoring goals for fun.
“That day at Ibrox has actually stood me in good stead and it would obviously be a big challenge to face him again.”
Gunning acknowledges that Jelavic is a class act but he insists there are big threats throughout the Everton side.
He said: “Jelavic is obviously a top player but it’s not just about him when you look at the Everton team.
“It tells you all about the kind of quality they have right through their ranks when you think of the likes of Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines.
“Baines is probably the second best leftback in the English Premier League so they have class all over the park.
“Everton are a quality team so it will be a great test for us with so many young players in our team.
“It’s not often you get the opportunity to test yourself against top-class English opposition so we’ll be making the most of it.”
He added: “It’s still pre-season so we’re just building up for the Europa League.
“We had a good derby win over Dundee last weekend in front of a very big crowd.
“Hopefully there’s another decent turnout for Everton because they’re a big name in English football and it will be a chance to catch a glimpse of some of their stars at first-hand.”