Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci says the team’s form this season has surpassed even his own high expectations.
The Turkish striker, who recently signed a new deal to keep him at the club until May 2016, predicted a top-four finish for the Tangerines when he joined in the summer.
Fast forward to mid-winter, though, and he has adjusted his forecast upwards.
“When I first came to United I expected it to be good but it has been so much better than I could have hoped for,” said Ciftci.
“I said at the beginning of the season that top four in the league would be nice for us. But I didn’t see the team being as good as it is and we can do even better than that.
“If we carry on performing like this then I do think it could be a really exciting season for United.”
Ciftci sat out Saturday’s 4-1 win over Hearts at Tannadice through suspension and he is also carrying a hamstring injury that makes him extremely doubtful for this weekend’s trip to Kilmarnock.
However, he is confident he will be back well before Christmas and when he does he will find he has a rival for the out-and-out striker’s role.
Brian Graham, depending on which player you believe, scored either once or twice against the Jam Tarts there remains a question mark over whether it was he or Stuart Armstrong who got the opener.
What is beyond doubt is that Graham had his best match yet for United and also nodded home a powerful header to regain the lead for the home side.
However, Ciftci seems to be completely at ease with having a fellow forward doing so well in his absence.
“I hope to be back as soon as possible but with a hamstring injury you need to watch that you don’t come back too quickly and it goes again,” he said.
“We won’t be taking a risk so we will just wait and time it properly.
“I watched the game on TV as I was back home and Brian scored with a really good header.
“Having competition is healthy for the club and it is good for the coach to know that when someone gets injured or suspended then another player can come in and do well.”
As for his contract, Ciftci stressed that it is because he feels so at home at Tannadice that he was delighted to extend his deal.
“I didn’t have to think about it too much,” he said. “I was happy to sign a new contract because the club has been looking after me so well.
“The players, staff and the supporters have all made me really pleased to be here.
“When I hear the fans chant my name it makes me feel happy and helps me play better. It feels like home and I am loving my football.
“I was lost in a footballing sense for a few years but I have found myself now as a United player.
“This is the happiest I have felt all the time I have been playing football. Everything fits together here for me. It can’t be better really.
“I feel I have made an impact on the team but it is not just about me, it is about everything feeling right.
“It is all about enjoyment for us. The players are loving the games and the fans are coming out to watch us.”