Mathew Cudjoe is desperate for the opportunity to become a derby hero after making his long-awaited debut for Dundee United.
Cudjoe, 18, joined the Tangerines in November, with the Ghanaian forward penning a three-year deal.
Having previously trained with Bayern Munich, the 5ft 8ins youngster arrived in Tayside with plenty of promise.
However, United have gradually introduced Cudjoe to the first-team group as he grows accustomed to life in Scotland — before pitching him into action against Hibs on Saturday.
The U20 African Cup of Nations winner entered the fray as a 79th-minute substitute and produced a bright cameo, flashing one shot narrowly wide in the hard-fought 1-1 draw.
And Cudjoe is adamant he has plenty more to give — starting against fierce foes Dundee at Tannadice.
Dreams do come true and I will like to thank all who have made this possible especially my coach .To the fans of @dundeeunitedfc you have been super amazing and the feedback has been great. I promise my sweat and blood for this club #UnitedTogether 🇬🇭 🏴 pic.twitter.com/vwnvMlxmu9
— Mathew Anim Cudjoe (@CudjoeAnim) April 2, 2022
“I feel great,” he told DUTV. “It was my debut so I hope I will do more.
“The coach [Tam Courts] gave me the chance and I hope next week against Dundee that I can come in and do better. I hope there is more to come.
“We are a team and we play together. We did very well. We will try to continue next week and win against Dundee.”
‘They are waiting for this moment’
Cudjoe was afforded a raucous welcome from the 2,000-strong travelling fanbase, given the near-five month wait to see him in action.
His first touch and first pass then prompted a clamorous roar.
It did not go unnoticed by the player.
“I feel good because they [the fans] are waiting for this moment,” he added. “They have seen me now. They will see me more next week. I want to help the team and to help everyone achieve.
🗣"I feel great, I hope next week when we play against Dundee I will do better. We thank all the supporters for coming to see us today. They were waiting for this moment and they will see me more."
Mathew Anim-Cudjoe reacts to his United debut on DUTV 🇬🇭#UnitedTogether pic.twitter.com/YhJybbYkZe
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) April 2, 2022
“I am here to help myself to achieve, also, so I hope I get that chance next week and I will do more.
“The fans came to support us on the pitch and we thank everyone.”
Cudjoe later Tweeted: “Dreams do come true and I will like to thank all who have made this possible especially my coach.
“To the fans of @dundeeunitedfc you have been super amazing and the feedback has been great. I promise my sweat and blood for this club #UnitedTogether.”
