Dundee United believe they have found in Gary Mackay-Steven a player who perfectly fits their profile.
The Tangerines have only recently unleashed the young winger on to the SPL but he will be one to watch when they take on Celtic in front of the TV cameras on Sunday.
The 21-year-old, who joined from Airdrie United after a spell at Liverpool, has turned in some sparkling displays since his first start against Rangers earlier this month.
After tasting the big time with the Reds and having to work his way back up with the Diamonds, Mackay-Steven has a real desire to be a success at Tannadice. And that is exactly the attitude United are looking for.
Assistant manager Gary Kirk said: ”When Gary went to Liverpool from Ross County he was still a young boy. It is probably a good thing that the move to Anfield happened early on in his career because he still has time on his side.”
He added: ”When he came to United he was welcomed by everyone and has really settled in. He is a great lad and has the right attitude.
”He has come back up the road from England to join up with his folks and he is hungry to do well.”
Kirk said: ”That is exactly the type of player we want here at the club. You are halfway there when the player has something to prove.”
Mackay-Steven has a growing reputation for running at defences, and United will look for him to take on the Celtic backline.
Kirk said: ”It took him time to get up to speed with everything we do at the club but now he has kicked on and it is up to him to keep producing the goods.
”He is one the fans take to because he is exciting when on the ball. If we could get him and Danny Swanson in the team at the same time then that would be something.”
Mackay-Steven looks sure to be unleashed upon Celtic when Neil Lennon’s team come to Tannadice.
The Tangerines will go into the match full of confidence after a string of decent results the latest a valuable point away to Motherwell.
Kirk revealed that the players have been buzzing in training.
He said: ”At times we have had to calm them down because they won’t hang back and it’s very competitive.
”If you can’t look forward to playing in games like the one on Sunday then you shouldn’t be in football. These are the games you want to be involved in.”