The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
McNamara hails Gauld as a ‘frightening’ young prospect
He is just 17-years-of-age but Dundee United attacker Ryan Gauld showed a maturity beyond his tender years as he helped dismantle Ross County at Victoria Park yesterday.
The Aberdonian was involved in his side’s three goals and got on the scoresheet himself to cap a commanding display and leave his manager Jackie McNamara enthusiastic about the future.
McNamara said: “His touch and awareness and ability is frightening. I see him every day in training and I know what he is capable of.
“I don’t want to say too much too soon but he is streets ahead in terms of football knowledge and the rest of his game is coming.”
On the field he may possess a wisdom beyond his tender years but off ithe cut a shy figure. He revelled in his manager’s endorsement but he is not getting carried away.
Gauld said: “I just get on with things as they come and I don’t get a big head. I just pass things by. Hopefully, I can get into the starting 11 most weeks and I can start scoring more goals.
“I also want to set up as many goals as I can and just push the team up the league. The manager wants me to do well for the team, create chances and get on the ball.
“I don’t get nervous and I just try to enjoy it. That is the most important thing. If you enjoy it, then the chances are, you’ll play better. I am happy to play anywhere but if I had to choose, I like playing central off the main attacker because I get a fair bit of the ball in there.”
United’s impressive victory took them to fifth in the Scottish Premiership and Gauld hopes there is more to come from his side. He added: “We have been performing well recently, but not been getting the goals so it was good to cometo Ding wall and score four goals. Hopefully, it can push us on a bit.
“I am quite annoyed at myself I didn’t score more than one because I had a few chances. I am happy to get the goal, but most importantly the team got four and that is all that really matters.
“It is a really exciting team with a lot of young players and a lot of competition for places. Whoever is in the team has got to put in a good show or else someone will be there to take your place.”