Mackay-Steven relishing ‘exciting times’ at Tannadice

THAT WON’T be easy, though, with Tarantino joined by another troop of English Premiership talent spotters in the Tannadice stand.

Gauld, of course, is not the only exciting young United player catching the eye, with John Souttar, Andrew Robertson and Stuart Armstrong all starring for the Tangerines just now.

Mackay-Steven said: “These are exciting times for us. The manager has confidence in the young boys and if you are good enough then you are old enough.

“The young lads are making great leaps in the first team. They are just level-headed boys who are happy to play football and it’s like being in the playground at training.

“It’s great for them and they all have bright futures.

“However, from a selfish point of view I hope everyone stays in January, definitely, because I feel we can achieve something here.

“We are still in the Scottish Cup and there is everything to play for in the league so hopefully we can stick together.”

Mackay-Steven speaks with some authority on the subject of talented youngsters possibly moving on to the big time.

He left his Highland home as a mere 16-year-old to join English giants Liverpool but injury hampered him at Anfield.

He has done a terrific job of stepping back and then forward with his career and scored an excellent third goal on Saturday, while he made his full Scotland debut against the United States last month.

So he knows that there are different routes that you can take to find success, one of them being to stay at Tannadice, learn your trade then head to the bright lights.

“I haven’t spoken to them about moving or anything like that,” said MackaySteven, when asked if Gauld or Sunderland target Souttar had quizzed him over his time down south.

“But I would say that there isn’t really a right or wrong answer.

“I was 16 (when he went to Liverpool) and it can work out for you or it can’t.

“However, I feel being here is the best for everyone right now.”

Mackay-Steven believes being the best of the rest behind Celtic is now a realistic aim for United given the way they are playing.

“I think everyone in the changing room would say that second is the aim for us,” he added.

Gary Mackay-Steven celebrates his goal.