Last season will go down as one of the best in Dundee United’s history but for striker Francisco Sandaza things can only get better next time around.
While most of the Tangerines squad have been enjoying a well-earned break after a campaign that secured the Scottish Cup and third spot in the SPL, Sandaza is praying his luck changes when the competitive action gets under way again in August.
He missed most of last season with a hernia problem and then pulled his hamstring so was ruled out of the cup final.
He has given up his holidays to train twice a day back in his homeland for the past six weeks and is desperate to put his troubles behind him.
Ahead of the return to pre-season training on Friday, the Spaniard spoke about his hopes for a brighter, injury-free future at Tannadice.
“I have been training twice a day throughout the summer to make sure my fitness is right for coming back to pre-season,” said Sandaza.
“Last year was the worst one of my life because of the injury problems I had, so I want to make sure I am 100% from now on.
“The club have a lot of very good strikers and did really well last season, so it will be a fight to get into the team.
“But I am ready to battle for my place and am looking forward to the new season starting so I can show everyone at Dundee United what I can do.”
Meanwhile, United’s trip back to Hampden to play Queen’s Park in a pre-season friendly has now been turned into a closed-door affair.
The game, scheduled for Wednesday, July 21, was originally going to give Spiders fans a chance to see their former full-back Barry Douglas in the colours of the Tannadice men, but the clubs have agreed to use the game more as a training exercise.