Dundee United spot-kick specialist Jamie McGrath has revealed that he barely practices his picture perfect penalties.
The Republic of Ireland internationalist fired home the decisive goal from 12 yards against Motherwell on Saturday — just six days after notching the winner against Hibernian at Tannadice.
Despite acknowledging the weight of pressure on his shoulders for both gilt-edged penalties, McGrath was nerveless; waiting for the goalkeeper to make his move and rolling his effort beyond the despairing dive.
The on-loan Wigan man has missed ONE penalty in 18 attempts throughout his career, ironically also against Motherwell back in 2021.
I’ll hit them occasionally — maybe four or five over the course of a whole week — if I’ve got a free minute. But not much.
Jamie McGrath
But for all his comfort from the spot, McGrath does not obsessively rehearse them in training. Barring the odd effort for fun when he has a spare moment, he would rather trust his composure and quality on the day.
“You just have to remain calm in those scenarios,” he told Courier Sport. “Of course, I knew what was at stake and you never want to let the boys down because they’ve worked so hard to get us back into the game.
“I knew what was riding on it.
“But you just need to step up and, thankfully, I was able to slot it away and contribute.
“I used to practice my penalties a lot when I was younger but then I gradually stopped. And, because I was still scoring them, I just decided to stay away from it in training.
“Now, I’ll hit them occasionally — maybe four or five over the course of a whole week — if I’ve got a free minute. But not much.
🔥 Poise, placement and passion
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“Hopefully, I can stick a couple more away between now and the end of the season.”
“I could have had a hat-trick”
Indeed, Steven Fletcher was cautioned for simulation despite a strong penalty claim in injury time, while the former Scotland internationalist appeared to be tugged back in the box in the first half as he sought to meet an Aziz Behich cross.
With both calls now mercifully moot for United, McGrath laughed: “I could have had a hat-trick — walked away with the match ball!”
But despite his crucial contribution from set pieces, the demanding McGrath is determined to be more impactful as the campaign reaches its denouement.
McGrath added: “I know I need to contribute more from open play. I want to get more shots away and affect the game more in that way.”
United’s “magnet”
Meanwhile, McGrath has lavished praise on the irrepressible Fletcher after another afternoon of causing “chaos” for opposition defenders.
We are starting to really utilise him and we’re reaping the benefits.
Jamie McGrath
The ex-Hibs, Sunderland and Wolves man earned the decisive penalty and was a magnificent focal point throughout the victory at Fir Park. He has looked revitalised since the arrival of Jim Goodwin, benefiting from increased support in the final third.
“Fletch caused absolute chaos up there, as he always does,” McGrath continued. “He led the line brilliantly.
“It’s like he’s got a big magnet around him!
“Once the ball is played up to him, you know he’ll suck it in and drag two or three defenders along with him.
“As a midfielder who likes to push on, that’s a dream scenario; you can run in behind, knowing that defenders will be attracted to him. He brings so much to the team, even beyond the goals.
“We saw the previous week (win over Hibs) his quality when you get service into him, scoring a great header.
“We are starting to really utilise him and we’re reaping the benefits.”
The model professional
McGrath’s winner came after Immi Niskanen had cancelled out Kevin van Veen’s first-half opener for the hosts.
It was the Finn’s first goal in 560 days and his celebrating in front of 1,500 travelling Arabs was one of pure catharsis. And McGrath was keen to spotlight Niskanen’s work ethic and professionalism, through the good times and bad.
“I was so, so happy for him,” beamed McGrath. “I think everyone was.
“He is a model professional and thoroughly deserved his goal. He’s a breath of fresh air and, even with things aren’t going well for him, he’s always there to help other people out.
“He’s the first man in (to training) and the last man out.
“I’m a big believer in: if you work hard, you get the rewards. That shows for Immi.”
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