After marking his first start since August with a goal against Alloa on Tuesday night, Nicky Clark admits he is frustrated that Dundee United do not have a game this weekend.
However, he insists the breathing space could prove vital to the preparations for next Friday night’s eagerly-anticipated top-of-the-table Championship clash at Tannadice with Ayr United.
The Tangerines moved to within three points of the league leaders thanks to their 4-2 victory over the Wasps.
Clark was drafted into the starting line-up for the first time since recovering from injury and repaid manager Robbie Neilson’s faith by netting United’s opener.
Now, the 27-year-old striker cannot wait for the game with the Honest Men.
Clark said: “It was brilliant to be back on from the start, but to be honest I wasn’t expecting it because the boys have been doing so well.
“When you get your chance it’s important you take it and I was delighted.
“For me it was great to get my goal.
“My last start was Queen of the South away in the second league game of the season, so the next one has been a long time in coming.
“I picked up an injury and that set me back for a while. I’ve been working hard in training to get my fitness back up and I was delighted to return to the first team, get 90 minutes and help with a goal.”
Clark added: “When you’ve been out you need to get yourself prepared for when you do come back, but obviously the boys have been great and I did think I might have had to wait a bit longer than this.
“It’s a massive squad here and a great squad as well.
“The Alloa result sets us up nicely for Ayr next week. That’s a big game for us and it will take care of itself. We know what we need to do and we know what our aims for the season are.
“I would have preferred if there was a game this weekend because you always want to be playing and it is better when you are working towards a game at the end of the week.
“What this does, though, is give us a chance to prepare for a massive game and we will be ready for it.
“We know if we go and win this one we will be level with the team who are top of the league right now, so that’s a massive incentive for us.”
