Dundee United captain Ross Docherty is keen to make up for lost time after being forced to watch the first derby from the stands.
On-form United will look to build on the feel-good factor as they make the short trip across the road on Thursday to Dens Park. The Terrors currently have the city bragging rights, as they are in fourth place and nine points ahead of their city rivals. United drew 2-2 at Tannadice with Dundee on the opening day of the Premiership season and it was a game Docherty missed through injury.
The skipper said: “We touched on the derby after the (Aberdeen) game. We’ve obviously been so focused on taking things game-by-game – as you should be – but we were able to push forward full-time on the derby. I missed the first derby of the season, and the place was rocking. I was sitting in the stand and itching to be part of it, so I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be a huge game.
“We know where we are in the table and where they are – and where we can go if we keep this up. These games are why you come to a club like Dundee United.”
Jim Goodwin’s side are one of the form teams in the top-flight. They have lost one game in nine and are just three points behind third-placed Aberdeen and five adrift of Rangers. It isn’t bad for a newly-promoted side and a manager who was tipped to win the Premiership sack race. Docherty is delighted with the way things are going but isn’t getting carried away.
He admitted: “We all know the size of this club and when we are together – the fans, players, staff – it can only bode well for the future.
“The fans can start to dream but we’ll have our feet on the ground, because football has a habit of kicking you if you get too high. We aren’t getting carried away. We know our goals within the dressing room.
“There have been games this season where we haven’t played brilliantly but have dug out results, but we always look to improve. Looking ahead, the hope is we can find an even more consistent level of performance – while keeping up the results.
“If we can do that, then we can start to dream. We can have a positive mindset and look at where we’ve been and what we’ve done this season. However, we respect there are good teams around us, and we are newly promoted from the league below.”
Defender Kevin Holt was the hero against Aberdeen with his stoppage time winner. Docherty isn’t surprised as he saw how consistent he was when they were in the Championship trenches together at Partick Thistle and then United. He claimed: “I’ve played with the big man for the last few years and, just like the manager has said previously, there was never any doubt he could still play in the Premiership.
“Of course, you want the supporters to back you and maybe it’s taken a wee bit longer for some of them to be onside with Kev – I hope they are now! He pops up with big goals and, even before the winner against Aberdeen, I think he was man of the match. To top it off with that, was just brilliant.
“I’m not too sure about that celebration though – he’s got a big burn on his belly from that flop! It wasn’t just on Sunday night, he’s been outstanding for this football club for a year-and-and-a-half.”
Docherty’s campaign has been dogged by niggling muscle injuries but he is hoping he is now over them and ready to see his season take off.
He explained: “I’ve had to be patient, which has suited me to an extent. Last season, I probably came back too early at times. Also, the team has been flying, so I’ve waited. There is also an element of controlling myself and biding my time – because I don’t like sitting about!
“But the team has been unbelievable and that allowed me to take things minute by minute. But I want to start games. I feel like I’m getting there. I’m still slightly rusty – maybe a couple of my shots on Sunday showed that! – but I want to be starting games.”