Curran has big Dundee derby regret

DEPARTED Dundee star Jesse Curran admits his biggest regret was not featuring in a derby — but insists he will be glued to the first city clash of the new season.

Curran is now a free agent after four seasons with the Dark Blues, who are preparing for their tilt at the Championship title under new boss James McPake.

The Australian, 22, recalls dreaming of tasting the unique derby-day atmosphere when he first joined Dundee from Central Coast Mariners in 2015 as the Tayside rivals battled it out in the Premiership.

Now the versatile defender has vowed not to miss the first Dundee derby of the upcoming campaign at Tannadice on August 31.

Curran said: ‘That was probably my only real frustration — not getting the chance to play in a derby.

‘I had watched a few from the sidelines because obviously Dundee United were still in the top flight when I first signed at Dens.

‘They were unbelievable occasions, with a brilliant atmosphere, which really whetted your appetite.

‘Now they’re back on the agenda as both teams are in the Championship. I suppose that’s a bit of a consolation after relegation.

‘Put it this way, I will be tuning in to watch all of them for sure.

‘I see the first one is at Tannadice at the end of August and that should be spicy to say the least.

‘I’ll be rooting for the boys and I know how much it means to the fans to come out on top in these fixtures.

‘I guess whoever comes out in those four derby games will give themselves a big chance of being champions.

‘Of course, I hope that’s Dundee because I want to see them going straight back up to the Premiership.

‘They’re a fantastic club, who gave me four great years, so I don’t have a bad word to say about them.

‘It’s just football — things change. I’m moving on but Dundee will always have a place in my heart.’