Marcus Tornstrand may never have played in a Dundee derby before but he does know what it feels like to beat local rivals.
The big Swedish central defender is poised to line up at the heart of the Dundee United defence when they face neighbours Dundee at Tannadice on Sunday.
There will be no big-match nerves from the 23-year-old, however, as he has already experienced something similar in his homeland.
Tornstrand was in the Hammarby team that lined up in front of bumper crowds against Stockholm pair AIK and Djurgardens, with his best result having a familiar ring to it for United supporters this season.
“I have played four or five derbies in Sweden and these type of fixtures are a big deal over there too,” said Tornstrand. “I featured against AIK and Djurgardens and those were always important games for us and the Hammarby fans.
“For one match against AIK, for example, there was an attendance of around 25,000. I also know how to win a derby my best result was 3-0 against Djurgardens so although I am not from Scotland, I know what this means to the United supporters.”
Of course the Tangerines have finished 3-0 winners three times in games against the Dark Blues one friendly and two league encounters and also triumphed 2-1 in the recent William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final at Dens.
Sunday’s game is likely to represent their toughest challenge yet, however, with as many as six first-team players likely to be missing. That will give the likes of Tornstrand his chance and he is determined to take it, both for his own sake and to try to get United into the SPL’s top six.
“We know we have won every single one against Dundee this season so we want that run to continue,” he said. “We have a lot of injuries and suspensions but I am sure we will still do well on Sunday.
“It is up to players like me to come in a do a good job,” said Tornstrand, who made his debut for the Tangerines away to St Mirren last weekend. “It is important for our position league that we win this game as well as it being a derby.”
Manager Jackie McNamara is adopting a wait-and-see policy as regards his team selection, although it now seems that doubtful duo Jon Daly (groin) and Brian McLean (groin) have only a slim chance of being fit in time.
Their absence would bring up the unwanted half-dozen as Johnny Russell (leg fracture), Gavin Gunning (knee), Willo Flood (ban) and John Rankin (also suspended) will be sitting in the stand.
McNamara said: “There is no change really. We will just have to wait until the last minute to see how Brian and Jon are. It is touch and go with the two of them.
“It would be a boost to get even one of them fit but meanwhile, we also have to prepare as best we can for the game.
“Others will come into contention and I would say to them that they should embrace the occasion and enjoy going to their work. We have the top six to aim at while Dundee are fighting for survival, so it should be a good game.”
Meanwhile, as well as filling the George Fox and Eddie Thompson Stands, United have sold more than 1,000 tickets for the Jerry Kerr Stand, meaning there will be tangerine wrapped around three sides of the ground.
Dundee are expected to be backed by over 2,000 supporters, who will be housed in the Shed and Jim McLean Fair Play Stand.