SAM MCCLELLAND | DETERMINED TO MAKE AN IMPACT

The latest addition to our ranks is confident his experience has primed him for triumph with Dundee United.

By Kane O'Neill

Following his arrival earlier this month, Northern Ireland international, Sam McClelland, is convinced that his exposure to the physicality of the EFL has prepared him well for the challenges ahead at Tannadice.

Speaking to the media for the first time, Sam commented: “It's been enjoyable, the lads have been welcoming and it's good to get back training. It was a quick process once I heard that the club was interested in me.” 

“I was looking to get back playing and the opportunity the club has this season to get back into the Premiership gave me added interest.”

EMBRACING ADVERSITY AND SETTING THE STANDARD 

McClelland faced a setback when he suffered an ankle injury during a training session while on international duty. This unfortunate incident resulted in him being sidelined for around three months, stifling his momentum. Now at full fitness, McClelland is resilient and determined to make a strong impact on the pitch for Jim Goodwin’s side.

“Ultimately, it’s just part of football. Having been playing and to go away with Northern Ireland and get injured, it puts you out, and it is tough.”

Previously, McClelland started all seven of St Johnstone's opening cinch Premiership fixtures. 

McClelland brings a unique blend of experience to our ranks, having faced some of Europe's top youth football clubs during his time at Chelsea's academy, while also gaining invaluable exposure to professional senior football through his stint at Barrow and more recently at St Johnstone.

“[At Chelsea] you play against top academy teams in the youth league and top sides all around Europe and it's all very technical, good football. But once you play that first senior game, it turns into a battle and it's a completely different world.

“Once you get through those first few games, and do well, you then gain confidence and keep building”. 

McClelland received some first-team exposure whilst at Chelsea having numerous training sessions with the Premier League's elite. 

“I was involved in a few sessions, mostly when Frank Lampard was in as Manager. He would get some academy players in at the end of sessions to prepare the first team players to prepare for whoever they had at the weekend.” 

A baptism of fire.

Our new number 5 is eagerly anticipating tonight's showdown against Raith Rovers as over 3,600 Arabs march to Fife. “It's a big game, top two in the table. I have had a good week and a half of training and it's a good game to be involved in. Hopefully we can go and win and extend our lead at the top”.