New Dundee United signing Milos Lacny aims to show Celtic boss Neil Lennon he made a big mistake not handing him a deal at Parkhead.
The Slovakian striker had a spell on trial with the Old Firm giants during the summer but he was not offered a contract.
Celtic’s loss has been United’s gain, with the Sparta Prague player linking up at Tannadice on Monday on a 12-month loan deal. He will move into contention for Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie against Rangers if international clearance comes through in time.
Lacny believes there would be no better way to show the Hoops just what they missed by helping the Tangerines pull off a memorable win in Govan.
He said: ”When I was on trial with Celtic I felt 100% that I would get a contract. It was enjoyable, I thought I did well but, at the end of the day, things did not happen.
”I know they have good strikers at Celtic but I would have felt confident competing with them. But it didn’t happen so I have moved on now and I’m glad to be with Dundee United.
”Hopefully I can use my time here to show Celtic they missed out by not signing me. And it would be good to get a goal against Rangers on Sunday to do that!
”That is a big game for the team and to play at somewhere like Ibrox will be a good experience. Hopefully we will be able to get a good result.”
There were other clubs interested in securing Lacny’s signature, including Derek McInnes’s Bristol City, but the player said he was delighted to join United.
He added: ”I am very pleased to be here. There were other options at other clubs but I thought this was the best move for me at this moment in my career. I wanted to come to Britain and try the football here. I just want to play games and experience football in a foreign country.
”I know about the Scottish league everyone knows Celtic and Rangers so it is a good league to play in. Hopefully I will be able to make my debut on Sunday against Rangers.”
Lacny becomes United’s third Slovak import and will join Dusan Pernis and Felipe Mentel at Tannadice. And he hopes having his compatriots in the dressing-room will help him settle in.
He said: ”I played against Dusan back home and Felipe is also here so it will be a big help. My English needs to improve so having people who can help me with that will be good.
”I have bought a few books and I am sure my team-mates will help me learn.”
United boss Peter Houston has been impressed by Lacny’s technical prowess but has warned he will have to add a layer of toughness if he is to impress in the SPL.
He said: ”I’m delighted to get Milos signed up and it was a surprise we got him in the end. We didn’t think we’d be able to do it financially but the terms changed and we were able to get it done.
”He is very good technically but will have to toughen up for life in the SPL. He needs to play games because he’s been down the pecking order at his club a bit. He is quick and goes over the top so he’s the kind of player we’ve been looking for.
”He comes with a good pedigree and, if we can get clearance in time, he will be in my thoughts for Sunday.”
Meanwhile, United midfielder Danny Swanson was in England on Tuesday in a new bid to overcome his knee problem.
Houston revealed: ”Danny is away down to get sugar injections. They say that will make him able to train later this week so we’ll just have to wait and see.”