Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara hinted that super sub Nadir Ciftci could face Celtic at the weekend after his dynamic display at Dumbarton.
Ciftci came off the bench to equalise, set up Ryan Gauld’s second goal and then grab a last-gasp winner as they beat the Sons 3-2 in the Scottish League Cup second round clash at Bet Butler Stadium.
With the Hoops coming to town on Saturday, the Dutch-born Turk has played himself right into contention for a starting place.
“I was happy with the impact Nadir made when he came on,” said McNamara.
“He looked strong and fast and took both his goals well. I made changes tonight because it is important that we use the whole squad.
“The players who come in can push the other ones on. Nadir has done himself no harm as regards Saturday. He has had to be patient but is working very hard.”
As for the exciting finale, McNamara added: “The main thing was just to get through so we are relieved. It is testament to the lads’ character that we kept going.
“It was not good for my health but it is a good night for everyone at United because we are through to the next round. Although we left it late, I still thought we did enough to win the tie when you look at the early chances we had.”
Sons boss Ian Murray added: “We went head to head with a good SPL side and competed so that was pleasing.
“But it was hard on the players because they put so much effort into the game.
“Overall, we have to be happy with the way we played. We were out the cup at 2-1 so we had to go for it. We got the equaliser and I thought we might have gone on to win it in normal time.”
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