Francisco Sandaza may dream of facing a Spanish side in next season’s Europa League but his more pressing concern is forcing his way into Peter Houston’s Scottish Cup final plans.
Sandaza is back on the fringes of Dundee United’s first team following a season wrecked by groin trouble.
But with Jon Daly and David Goodwillie firmly in possession of the striking berths the Spaniard has a battle on his hands to secure a starting spot at Hampden.
And he knows that if he gets a chance to impress Houston on the run-in he needs to take it.
“For all the players, not just myself, who have not been in the team these next few games are very important,” said Sandaza.
“It is only by being involved in them and doing well that we can hope to be in the cup final side.
“So even if Dundee United weren’t trying to beat Celtic this weekend and take second place from them the remaining league matches would be massive for many of us.
“Those of us who have not played a lot want to show the manager what we can do.
“For me, I wish the season wasn’t coming to an end. It has been a horrible season for me with injury. And now I feel better and have recovered my pace it is nearly over.
“But if it finished with me being involved in winning the cup then I could go on holiday happy.Important”It would mean so much to me to play in and win the final. If that happened I would be in all the papers back home. And that is very important for me.
“My parents and my brother will come over for the final regardless of whether I will be playing. But if I was sure to play there would be 10-12 people coming across.”
Even if they fail to lift the cup or catch Celtic, United will have European football to look forward to next term and Sandaza will monitor the Europa League draw with keen interest.
“I would love to get a Spanish team. I would be very proud to go back home to play with Dundee United,” he said.
“Just now it looks like being Bilbao, Mallorca or Seville who’ll be going into the tournament and they are all good teams.
“But if I could pick one for us to face it would be Bilbao. I have never played at their stadium but it is very nice and their supporters are incredible.
“Coming from the Basque country, they have amazing passion.”
Central defender Garry Kenneth missed training yesterday because of a thigh problem, while David Robertson’s calf injury continues to be monitored by the club.
Midfielder Morgaro Gomis is suspended for the last two league games of the season against Hibs and Hearts.