Dundee United central defender Callum Morris is winning his race to be fit for the League Cup final and that’s good news for his Uncle Ed.
Morris, who has missed the Tangerines’ last four games after tearing a thigh muscle, expects to be fit and ready for Sunday’s clash against Cetic at Hampden.
That will come as a relief not only to Morris but also his uncle, who is flying in from Japan to cheer on his nephew.
Morris said: “I have family flying in from various places and the furthest travelled will be my Uncle Ed, who is flying in from Japan.
“He lives in London now but he used to live out in Japan and is currently there working as a business management coach.
“He is flying back to see me play and it’s nice of him to make the effort. So, that’s no pressure on me then!
“I suppose it is a massive occasion as it is the first time I have been involved in such a big game.
“They are all looking forward to it as much as I am.
“I have about 50 people coming up in total and my mates have put on a coach from Newcastle.
“It’s not like Geordies to enjoy a day out because we are quite a quiet bunch normally”
Morris has only ever been to a final as a spectator before so is relishing this chance.
“I have been to a few play-off finals in England to watch them but this is the first time I have been involved playing,” he said.
“I have a friend who has a season ticket at Wembley and we usually go down once a year, normally for the play-off final, which is always an entertaining tie.
“I was at the Champions League final at Wembley between Manchester United and Barcelona (2011) but this for me is much bigger.”
Morris has to sit through Sunday’s incident-packed Scottish Cup clash between United and Celtic at Tannadice on Sunday so is desperate to get back involved.
“It was tough having to watch from the sidelines,” he said.
“You want to be out there with the lads.
“Obviously it was another big game but it is gone and now we look forward to Sunday.”
Morris says he is feeling fine and has been training with the rest of the squad.
He added: “It’s been a tough few weeks since I did it but the progress has been good and now I am just looking forward to getting back together with the lads.
“I have happy memories of Hampden after scoring against Aberdeen in the semi-final and am looking forward to going back there.”