The knowledge that one of world football’s most respected managers rates him has convinced Nadir Ciftci he can make it with Dundee United.
Ciftci was a red-tape blunder away from playing for Turkey in 2010, after grabbing the attention of then national coach Guus Hiddink.
The striker is with the Tangerines in Germany and played half of Sunday night’s friendly against Union Berlin.
He is hoping to get another chance to shine on Friday when United face Energie Cottbus, another tough Bundesliga 2 side.
The fact that someone like Hiddink was willing to hand him his international debut at the tender age of 18 has, understandably, boosted his self-belief as he tries to complete a switch to Scottish football.
Hiddink’s eye for a player is beyond doubt and his managerial record is outstanding. As well as bossing the Turks, he has been in charge of his native Holland, Russia, South Korea and top club sides Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSV Eindhoven, who he led to European Cup glory in 1988. He is currently working in Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala.
Having been told he was set to make his debut for Turkey, Ciftci was robbed of the chance by a passport mix-up. However, Hiddink’s seal of approval still counted for a lot.
Ciftci said: “Guus Hiddink called me up after he had watched me for Portsmouth when I was there and told me he wanted to give me a cap.
“The problem was that I didn’t have a Turkish passport, I only had a Dutch passport (he was born in The Hague to Turkish parents).
“It was supposed to be sent to Holland but they sent it to London instead. It was unlucky but I hope that I will get to play for Turkey another time.
“It was very frustrating because I was 18 and playing for your country is the biggest dream you have at that age.
“But knowing that Hiddink rates me and thinks I’m a good player gave me a huge boost.
“Someone like him who had achieved so much in football had watched me and wanted me to play for his team that is a huge thing for my confidence.
“I am still that player and if I sign for Dundee United I can still play for Turkey. I am sure of that.”
As well as impressing one big Dutch football name, Ciftci has the support of another former Holland and Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk.
It was Van Hooijdonk who recommended him to his former Parkhead colleague Jackie McNamara.
“Pierre is a big name in football, having played for Celtic, Fenerbahce and Feyenoord as well as being assistant to Hiddink at Turkey,” said Ciftci.
“He’s not really my agent but he is a good adviser for me. I respect what he says so I listen to him and learn from him.
“I had two more years in Holland but I wanted to come to the UK. So I spoke to Pierre and he suggested Dundee United. He spoke really well about all three of the coaches because he played with them in his own career.
“He said they were very good guys, they were good coaches and they are going to go far in football.
“He asked if I would like to come here and I said that of course I would.
“There is a good squad here, there are a lot of talented players here and I think it would be a good environment for me.”
Like all the United players who faced Union on Sunday, Ciftci was disappointed to have lost 4-1 but the scoreline was not the thing that mattered most.
“The manager said ‘well done’ to me after the game so that was good for me,” he said. “I have been doing my best and I hope I can sign here.
“I don’t feel under pressure because football is my job. You do what you have to do and if you’re good enough then something will happen.
“I already know about British football from Portsmouth, so the speed of the game won’t be a shock to me.
“I spoke to the coaches about it and they tell me that the game in Scotland is fast and physical like in England. That suits my game so I think I’d do well in Scotland.
“The Berlin result was disappointing but I don’t think it was too bad because they had played about six games already and we had only been training for less than a week.
“This team has very good players and you can see when the fitness comes things will be very good.
“I am happy enough with how I’ve done so far. The gaffer and the other players have been very good to me.
“They have picked me up really well and have been helping me feel part of the group. So everything is very positive.”