Dundee United teenager Kerr Smith has written himself into the Tannadice history books by making his derby bow.
The youngster will hope to stake claim for a regular spot in the United team with an impressive showing in the 1-0 win over Dundee on Sunday.
As well as the victory being a day to remember for the academy graduate, Smith has broken a Tannadice record.
The engine, the gaffer and the future. 😍
United 🟠⚫️#UnitedTogether pic.twitter.com/Y9mhF5I1Cx
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) September 19, 2021
At 16 years, 9 months and 7 days old he became the youngest United player ever to feature in a Dundee derby.
Faith in the academy
Despite his being such of a tender age, boss Tam Courts had no concerns over putting the teenager on from the start in such a high-intensity match.
As the former head of tactical performance at United’s academy, Courts knows what his young players are capable of and is willing to give them a chance on the biggest stage.
He said: “That’s something I’m almost obligated to do because the club has done that with me.
“Considering I came from the academy these are players I have seen grow, develop and I know what their mentality is like.
“What better way if you trust someone than to throw them into a Dundee derby?”
Youngest ever
Smith was substituted in the 66th minute due to injury but still impressed the Tannadice faithful.
He takes the record of youngest United player in a derby from Frannie Munro by just one week.
Munro made his United debut against Dundee at Dens Park at the age of 16 years, 9 months, 14 days on August 8 1964, scoring the winner in a 3-2 victory.
Jocky Scott still retains the record for the youngest player to play in the derby.
He was just 16 years, 7 months and 29 days old when he scored twice in a 4-1 win for Dundee on September 12 1964.