ARCHIE MEEKISON: EVERY MINUTE COUNTS AT DUNDEE UNITED

Archie Meekison is desperate to ‘make every minute count’ in grasping his opportunity to become a Dundee United first team regular.

Meekison is one of 15 United Academy graduates to star for the first team this term and he came off the bench in last weekend’s match with Hearts.

The creative midfielder played his part in away trips to Celtic and Rangers this term and is tipped to have a bright future in the game.

A lifelong fan, Meekison has been involved with the club since he was seven. He signed a two-year contract extension in December, tying him to the club until 2024.

And he insists he’s ready to nail down a regular spot in Tam Courts’ starting XI.

Confidence

Meekison, who turns 20 next week, said: “I’ve played in a few big games this year and that’s a good thing to have on the resume.

“It has given me confidence as I’m still growing as a player. I want to play as many games as I can now and put myself in good stead for next season.

“That’s always the aim when you come on the park - to make every minute count.

“When you do come on you want to try to make a difference. I feel like I have been pretty good when I’ve come on.

“It’s part of my job to try and bring something different to the team.

“Ultimately, I want to be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

“That’s something that a young lad always wants. I’ve been here for a while and I wouldn’t have wanted to come all this way for nothing.”

Archie Meekison: Playing in Europe would be 'an absolute dream'

Meekison is fully focused on Saturday’s visit of the 'Well as we compete for a European spot.

He added: “That’s the dream because this club hasn’t had European football in quite a long time.

“Doing that this season, in the first one with a new manager, would be a massive achievement.

“To play in any of those games would be an absolute dream.

“We have the Rangers and Celtic game and Ross County but we will take a game at a time and just now our focus is Motherwell.

“They are our close competitors. It’s a big game but so is every game at this stage of the season considering the circumstances we are in.”