Practice made perfect for Glenn Middleton.
That’s the view of Dundee United head coach Liam Fox, who has lauded the gifted winger for putting in the extra hours on the training pitch to hone his skills.
The former Rangers and St Johnstone kid curled home a sumptuous free-kick in the Terrors’ comprehensive 4-0 win over Kilmarnock on Wednesday.
It was Middleton’s third goal of the campaign and the first time United have scored in the league from any form of set piece.
And Fox was quick to emphasise that Middleton — who famously notched a Hampden stunner for the Perth Saints in the 2020/21 Scottish Cup semi-final — earned that moment through hard graft.
Pick that one out! 🎯🎯🎯@Glenn_M22 with a cracker 💥#cinchPrem | @dundeeunitedfc pic.twitter.com/fKBe6knzvf
— SPFL (@spfl) November 10, 2022
“I have to give Glenn a lot of credit because he works on that sort of thing every day after training,” said Fox.
“It’s great to see someone who practices their craft really produce at a key moment. That’s why he practices — for opportunities like that.
“It’s a credit to Glenn and his attitude.
“That is the type of culture we want;Â people staying behind, doing extra and honing their craft so that, in moments like that, they produce.”
Focus
Fox also had praise for the response of Ross Graham, who returned to the starting line-up for the first time in five weeks.Â
The towering centre-back produced a fine showing against Killie, even grabbing an assist for Kieran Freeman’s opening goal.
And Fox is adamant he knew from minute one that Graham was destined to enjoy a good night.
“I could tell from the first minute of the game that Ross was focused,” lauded Fox.
“Whenever you leave a player out, that is the kind of response you look for. I want them to have that drive to get back in (the team) and not let anyone else take their place.
“That was another massive positive on a night where there wasn’t anyone who let us down.”
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