Dundee’s United’s flying full-back Andrew Robertson says his first goal for the club could just as easily have ended up in the back row of the stand.
Robertson, who has made a terrific start to the season for the Tangerines, got off the mark with a brilliant solo goal against Motherwell in the Premiership clash at Tannadice on Sunday.
He picked up a pass from Paul Paton deep inside his own half then ran on for about 50 yards before sending a shot past Well keeper Lee Hollis to make it 2-1 to the hosts.
His name rang around the ground as the supporters hailed their 19-year-old hero.
It wasn’t the winner, though, with yet another excellent strike, this time from Motherwell sub Lionel Ainsworth, earning a 2-2 draw for the Lanarkshire men.
United, who had levelled Henri Anier’s opener thanks to a fine finish from Nadir Ciftci just minutes before Robertson’s goal, now look ahead to Wednesday’s League Cup third round tie against Partick Thistle.
Robertson, who will be one of manager Jackie McNamara’s first picks for that one, said: “I just got it (the ball) off Paul Paton, took it forward while looking for a pass to play. Nobody came to me and I just kept going forward.
“Then I thought I may as well pull the trigger. It usually goes in the stand or whatever but luckily I hit the target this time,” he said.
“I thought we were then in a good position to see it out. I also thought, though, that Motherwell did well and that a draw was a fair result.”
As for hearing his name being chanted, the defender added: “The fans have been great for us and obviously I am happy that they have accepted me.
“I think they have sung my name before but that must have been the loudest and it’s the first time I have clearly heard them singing it.
“I thought I could always make the step up to this level but I do think I have made it quicker than I would have expected.”
United manager McNamara was understandably delighted with the teenager’s contribution, saying: “You heard every United fan singing his name there and that’s great. It isn’t just about his goal because his performances since coming to us from Queen’s Park have been a revelation and he is getting better and better.
“He has a steely determination to succeed which he has shown from day one while also being a very level-headed lad. So he has been excellent.”
As for the match, the Tannadice boss thought a draw was fair enough.
He added: “I am thinking of that old football saying ‘a game of two halves.’ Motherwell were better than us in the first half and I thought they dominated us a wee bit.
“In the second we got up and at them and caused them a lot of problems. There were four good goals and it was a good strike from the lad to earn them a draw.”
United have a concern over the fitness of Gary Mackay-Steven for the Jags clash.
He failed a fitness test on Sunday because of a groin strain and will be monitored up to kick-off.
“He wasn’t ready so we will see how he is for Wednesday,” said McNamara.
For more coverage from Tannadice, see Monday’s Courier or try our digital edition.