Dundee United’s John Rankin has paid tribute to “entertainer” Gary Mackay-Steven, insisting it is simply a pleasure playing alongside the winger.
Yesterday, of course, it was announced by Celtic that they had signed the 24-year-old on a pre-contract and he will be joining Ronny Deila’s side in the summer.
Regardless of that impending move, Rankin believes Mackay-Steven is in peak form at the moment and he hopes that run will continue for as long as he still wears Tangerine.
Rankin said: “He’s been great for the club. He’s been here as long as I have and I’ve enjoyed every minute of playing with him.
“His performances are speaking for themselves just now.
“I think he’s been in great form the last three or four games, he’s been unbelievable. When you see some of the situations he gets himself out of, how good his feet are and he scores as well. That’s four goals in three games, he’s in top, top form.UPDATE: Saturday’s Dundee United v ICT matchhas been postponed“We got Gary from Airdrie a long time ago now. But he’s come here and developed his career a wee bit further.
“Nobody can complain about the performances he’s put in since he’s been here because he’s given everything and he’s entertained. That’s the main thing he’s entertained the fans from the start until now and he’ll continue to do so as long as he’s here.”
With everything that was happening with Mackay-Steven yesterday, it was easy to forget at times that United have an important game this afternoon against the team sitting just behind them in the Premiership table, fourth-placed Inverness.
Rankin admitted that he had been really impressed by John Hughes’ side last week as they came back to win 2-1 at Kilmarnock, despite being reduced to 10 men when David Raven was sent off at the start of the second half.
He said: “Caley are flying at the moment. I saw them last week and was very impressed by them.
“They went down to 10 men and a goal down at the same time and the spirit they had to come back and get three points was impressive.
“It was a typical John Hughesy spirited team, if you know what I mean. They created a lot of good chances when they were down to 10 men, so we know how difficult it’s going to be and it’s a game we can look forward to.”
United are only ahead of Inverness in the league table on goal difference and manager Jackie McNamara is looking for his side to win today to put a clear points gap between the sides.
He said: “It’s an important game for us. Inverness are on the same points and they beat us the last time up there so we want to make sure our home form and record at Tannadice continues so we can get above them in the table.
“The last time we played them I thought the level of performance was poor. We didn’t get started in the game and didn’t do enough to cause them problems but now we have a great incentive to get three points ahead of them and make sure we keep up the winning form at home.”
United will be without the injured Callum Morris, John Souttar and Mario Bilate.