Johnny Russell insists he is only interested in starring for Dundee United and has dismissed all speculation regarding his future.
The Scotland under-21 international grabbed the headlines once again on Monday night when he scored a Lionel Messi-like goal for the Tangerines in their 3-0 defeat of Inverness Caley Thistle at Tannadice.
Watching from the stand was Celtic boss Neil Lennon, there to cast an eye over United ahead of the Scottish Cup quarter-final tie at the same stadium on Sunday.
With the Hoops having already made an unsuccessful approach to United regarding the striker in the January transfer window, it was easy to join the dots.
However, Russell is having none of it and has declared himself happy to play a full part in what is rapidly turning into a terrific season for the Tannadice men.
”I just want to concentrate on playing for United and focus on what I am doing here,” said Russell, who danced past several ICT defenders before placing the ball past goalkeeper Ryan Esson for his side’s third goal.
”It is always flattering to hear good things said about you and that there is interest in you. But I am here at United and happy. I am still a young boy and I have a lot to learn. I have to develop as a player and this is the best place for me to do that.”
As for his goal, Russell had a bit of fun at teammate John Rankin’s expense when he was asked whether his strike was better than the midfielder’s counter.
Rankin grabbed the opener with a curling shot from 25 yards that left Esson with no chance.
”I meant to score mine so I would say that was better than his!” joked Russell.
Maybe, but was it the finest of his career so far?
”I think so, yes,” he replied. ”I enjoyed it. Sometimes you can try too hard and things don’t come off for you but they did this time. I thought the defenders wouldn’t be too rash with it being inside the box, whereas maybe if it were outside I would have gotten a clatter.
”I made up my mind early on that I was going to go for it. Willo Flood was behind me screaming about a cut-back but my mind was made up by that time.”
United have built up considerable momentum in the league as well as having the cup tie to look forward to. They moved up to fourth spot in the table but Russell feels they are just too far behind to peg back third-placed Motherwell, who sit 11 points better off.
”I think our early-season form let us down a bit and we are playing catch-up now,” he said. ”Motherwell look to be too far in front of us but you never know. Our defence has been superb and that is apparent in the clean sheets we have kept. If you keep teams out then you always have a chance at the other end.
”Also, we had not been scoring too many goals but we seem to be making up for that now and long may it continue.”
So Russell will have a clear mind on Sunday as United try to do an Old Firm Scottish Cup double by knocking out Lennon’s men to follow the ousting of Rangers in the last round.
”We are going into that game with the belief that we can win,” he said. ”Celtic will be favourites but maybe we can cause an upset.”
Meanwhile, United are becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress being made as regards the £100,000 they are due from administration-hit Rangers from their Scottish Cup tie.
They have been in touch with the SFA, whose tournament it is, to ask for help but are still waiting to receive any cash.
Dunfermline have been much more fortunate, with the threat of SPL sanction earlier this week helping secure a staged payment of the £84,000 they were due from the Ibrox administrators.