Forfar manager Dick Campbell believes Dundee United midfielder Scott Allan will be a ”steal” for the team that signs him.
Campbell is a big fan of the Scotland under-21 international, having worked with him during a loan spell at Station Park. Indeed, he rates him among the best youngsters he has encountered during his time in management.
He is not surprised to see the likes of West Bromwich Albion the English Premiership side have already agreed a £400,000 compensation deal with United for the player Rangers and Celtic wanting to sign the 20-year-old.
It is West Brom who are in pole position for Allan’s signature but they face fierce competition from the Light Blues, who informed United by letter two weeks ago that they were keen on him.
Rangers boss Ally McCoist confirmed that interest on Thursday, saying: ”We have spoken to Dundee United to let them know our intentions to speak to young Scott and his representatives.
”He is obviously still a Dundee United player but I would have to say he is a very, very good player. In terms of young talent in the country, he is up there with anything really.”
Campbell insists whoever wins the race will have picked up a bargain.
”He is a sensational player, a future Scotland internationalist without a shadow of a doubt,” said the Loons boss. ”I worked with him at Forfar and would say he is one of the most exciting young players I have seen in all my years.
”He can beat a man with a shake of his hips, has pace and is one of those midfielders who likes to drive forward. Anyone getting him for £400,000 is getting an absolute steal because he will go on to become a top-class player.
”Obviously, at the age he is he really needs to keep working at it to turn that potential into reality but from what I saw working with him he has the kind of attitude that means he will.
”I am not surprised that Rangers, Celtic and West Brom are interested in him because anyone who knows a thing about the game can see that this laddie has a special talent.”
Campbell wished Allan all the best whatever he decides.
”It’s not for me to tell him what to do,” he said. ”The decision will be for Scott to make and I am sure he will make the right one for his career. I enjoyed working with him and wish him all the luck wherever he ends up.”
Meanwhile, United have been warned they can’t afford to give Kilmarnock any help when they travel to Rugby Park.
The Tangerines gifted Inverness Caley Thistle a two-goal start last weekend before storming back to win the match.
That was some achievement but Tangerines assistant boss Gary Kirk insists they must not be so generous when they face the Ayrshire men on Saturday.
”We came from behind last week and the second half was very positive but we can’t afford to give goals away like that again,” said Kirk.
”The lads did really well to come back from losing two goals to Inverness but when you lose one as early as we did you put pressure on yourself.
”Killie will come at us from the start so we need to be organised and better than we were last weekend.”
As well as the thrilling fightback, another feature of the win over ICT was the terrific backing United received.
”The fans were brilliant up at Inverness,” added Kirk. ”I think it might have been a Christmas day out for a lot of them.
”I am sure they will turn up in numbers against Kilmarnock and hopefully we will give them plenty to sing about.”