Dylan Tait is aiming to build on his impressive start at Dundee United and force his way into Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli's plans. The midfielder, who joined from Falkirk in the summer, has been a key figure for Jim Goodwin's side and has captained the team in the absence of Ross Graham.
Dream of representing Scotland
The 24-year-old admitted that earning a Scotland call-up would be the ultimate reward for his recent performances. "That would be my dream to play for my country," he said. "I am still quite young so if I can have a good season to put myself out there then hopefully the manager is watching there is no reason I can't."
Tait stressed the importance of maintaining his form for Dundee United. "First and foremost, I need to keep doing well on the pitch for Dundee United and keep up my performances of late," he added. "I always believed in my own ability and backed myself. I just needed that opportunity and got it last season."
Captaincy and midfield partnership
Goodwin has shown faith in Tait by handing him the on-field captain's responsibilities. "It is a new challenge for me as it is something I have not done before," Tait said. "On the pitch I try to lead and organise so that has become second nature to me but I am really enjoying it and it is an honour for me and my family."
The midfield trio of Tait, Zidane Iqbal, and Lyall Cameron has been central to United's recent revival. "Lyall and Zidane are two good players and the last couple of weeks we have complemented each other well in there," Tait noted. "We all have good football brains and it is easy to gel with that type of player and I am loving it at the moment."
Upcoming St Johnstone test
United have won their last two matches against St Mirren and Hibs, keeping clean sheets in both. They now face St Johnstone, who are level on points, with a win at McDiarmid Park giving either side a three-point advantage.
Tait acknowledged the challenge ahead. "St Johnstone have started really well and are above us in the league as well," he said. "I know how it is when you come up from the Championship, and you have that good momentum. You can see they are playing with positivity and are all in good spirits."
He added: "They are not used to losing games so we know going there it is going to be a hard game but a win jumps us up the table. So on the back of two good wins and two clean sheets we just want to keep looking up the way."
