Jamie McGrath hopes a dream double comes true and he can have a St Patrick’s weekend to savour.
The Irish international is desperate to help Dundee United secure a vital three points in their Premiership survival battle against St Mirren at Tannadice this afternoon, with his parents coming over for the crunch clash.
McGrath then hopes to have more to celebrate as he catches up with what’s happening at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin with the Ireland rugby team attempting to complete a Six Nations Grand Slam by beating England.
The 26-year-old said: “I am not a big rugby man but the Irish boys are flying at the moment. It is unreal.
“I watched last week’s game against Scotland and of course I will be tuning in again.
“The way they are playing at the minute, I don’t think anyone can stop them – they are a joy to watch.
“It would also be great if we could get a win against St Mirren.
“It is St Patrick’s weekend as well and my mum and dad are coming over for the game.
“Hopefully I can get the three points for them.”
McGrath already has something to celebrate after receiving another call-up to the Ireland squad on Thursday for a friendly with Latvia followed by a mouth-watering Euro 24 qualifier against France.
The on-loan Wigan midfielder added: “It is a proud moment for me and my family.
“There are two games against Latvia and France so I am really looking forward to that but first and foremost it is St Mirren on Saturday.
“Hopefully I can go into the Ireland camp in good spirits.”
Jim Goodwin took over as United boss at the start of this month and has overseen a defeat to Aberdeen followed by a draw at Livingston last Wednesday.
McGrath, who knows the manager well from their time together at St Mirren, believes the United players now realise what he wants from them and they can deliver a much-needed win at home today.
McGrath added: “We have had a lot of meetings and he has had a bit more time with us as well.
“We now understand exactly what is expected.
“We have had some very tough days training and hopefully that holds us in good stead going into the last stages of the season.
“We have had some big wins at Tannadice and we will be looking to do the same on Saturday.
“Looking back to our last home game against Aberdeen, we didn’t get the result we wanted but we had a good performance that night.
“The gaffer made us aware that if we can put those elements into this Saturday, we have a good chance of winning the game.”
While United are firmly focused on survival, St Mirren’s sights are set on a top six finish and McGrath knows the Buddies will provide a stern test for the Tangerines.
McGrath admitted: “They have had a brilliant season.
“They are very well organised and know how to get results.
“We are looking at how we can get the better of them on Saturday but we know it is not going to be easy.
“Their workrate is phenomenal and fair play to them but hopefully we can get the three points.”
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