New boy Emil Lyng isn’t going to lie — he’s come to Dundee United to play Scottish Premiership football.
But having built an impressive pedigree in the knockout competitions in his native Denmark as well as France, the thought of cup success here also appeals.
In the space of just over a week in 2011, Lyng saw parent outfit Lille win the French Cup for the first time in 66 years when they shocked Paris St Germain in the final and loan club Nordsjaelland lift the trophy in Denmark.
Then, two years later, he got his hands on a winner’s medal as he came off the bench as Esjberg beat Randers.
And starting with United’s tie at Alloa today he wouldn’t mind if his time in Scotland sees similar success, even if that’s not what matters most.
“I don’t know much about the Scottish Cup to be honest. I’ve been told it’s a big thing but our first goal is to go back where we belong, in the Premiership,” said Lyng.
“The cup is our next game and we have to win and we will do everything to manage that and move on from there.
“We know everything can happen in Scotland as well as everywhere else in the world, so we want to make sure we win this.
“Those finals in France and Denmark are happy memories and one here would be nice but you definitely have to take one game at a time and take it from there.”
Having moved to Tannadice this month from a spell with KA in Iceland, where it is the close season, the 28-year-old also sees today as a chance to get much-needed game time under his belt.
He was reasonably pleased with his first full game as United drew at Dunfermline last Saturday but believes in terms of sharpness there is still a bit to come.
“It was my first 90 minutes and I felt quite comfortable and confident. It was a tough away game and one point against Dunfermline is not a bad result.
“It could have been a loss and it could have been a win as well.
“In total, I’m happy I made my first start and did it over 90 minutes. Now I can build up from there.
“If I said I was 100% right now I would be lying to you. I would say I am 80% and what I need are games.
“I do well in training and my fitness is building up but the rest will come in games.
“Hopefully, I get a lot of minutes in the cup game and then I will be 100% for the next league game.”
Lyng has arrived during what have been a difficult couple of weeks or so for the Tangerines that’s seen them drop eight points off the pace in the Championship promotion race.
He’s seen enough, though, to believe the successful campaign the fans are so desperate to see is still very much on the cards.
Lyng added: “What I have seen so far is we have many different players from many different countries and with different talents as well.
“If we put that together into one big group, we will fit very well into the Premiership. We have to go there, it’s where we belong.”
Having made his debut as a substitute in the defeat at Falkirk then starting at Dunfermline, looking ahead he admits he’s keen to get his first Tannadice appearance under his belt when Morton are the visitors next Saturday.
“I was there in the stand watching when we beat Brechin in the last home game and I liked the stadium.
“It will be nice to get out there and play in front of the United fans.”
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