Dundee United legend Maurice Malpas will help make today extra special for Jamie Robson.
Robson has joined the 100 club after hitting his century of appearances in last month’s away clash against Inverness Caley Thistle.
He will be presented with a commemorative top this afternoon by Malpas, who is the finest left-back in United’s history, a Scottish-Cup winning capatin and one of their all-time greats.
Having the very best to have graced his own position agree to give him the jersey is something Robson will remember for years to come.
The ceremony will take place before kick-off at today’s home Championship clash against Alloa and the 21-year-old can’t wait.
“I knew it was coming up and have been looking forward to it since the start of the season,” said Robson.
“I was delighted to hear that the club had prepared something for me.
“It is a privilege and a big honour.
“To have played 100 games for any team is pretty good but to have done so for a club as big as Dundee United is extra special.
“It’s great that someone like Maurice Malpas, who played the same position I do, will be presenting me with it.
“He is, of course, a legend.
“Everyone at Tannadice looks up to him and what he has achieved.
“You see him about the club sometimes and he always speaks to you and says hello.”
Robson, who only turns 22 later this month, is also United’s longest-serving player.
He missed a chunk of the season through injury but his return has coincided with some sparkling team performances.
Robson said: “I am really happy with the way I have played since coming back from injury.
“It has been five clean sheets and five wins so hopefully we can keep it going against Alloa.
“I’m not sure if I’m playing the best football of my career just now but I would say it’s one of my best runs.
“When you are getting clean sheets every week like we have been it makes you so determined to keep it going.
“You have to keep it tight and if we can then it makes it easier for the boys up front because they know just one goal would win the game.”
The Wasps, of course, will come to Tannadice looking to make it a double over United after winning their home game 1-0 on October 4.
Robson sat out that fixture but is well aware of how much it hurt.
He said: “I think that was a wake-up call.
“That was the case for everyone at the club.
“We knew it wasn’t good enough and that we can’t get go to places, turn up and expect to win because we are Dundee United.
“We need to earn the result and the three points.
“We have certainly bounced back since that time and we are all delighted with how well it has gone for us.
“You are never going to win every so what becomes important is your response to a bad result.
“We have reacted well.”
United will have a big decision to make regarding star striker Lawrence Shankland, who has had a thigh injury.
He has been declared fit by manager Robbie Neilson but you get the feeling that he might start on the bench.
If that is the case then Robson thinks they will still be fine.
He said: “We have a massive squad full of very good players and the Queen of the South game showed it is not just all about Shanks scoring goals for us.
“There is more to us than that.
“We have others chipping in with goals and I think we are a very strong team – a solid unit.
“We have people who can cover for any player but, of course, it would be great if he starts against Alloa.”
