SIMON MURRAY enjoyed a special celebration having helped Dundee United secure silverware – but insists the real party will come if they can clinch promotion.
Murray, 25, played a starring role in Saturday’s 2-1 Irn Bru Cup Final win over St Mirren at Fir Park as his inch-perfect cross set up super sub Thomas Mikkelsen for his 75th-minute headed winner.
The Dundonian savoured a family party following the Fir Park victory which Ray McKinnon’s side hope can kick-start their promotion push ahead of tonight’s visit of Ayr United to Tannadice.
Murray admits he found a little time to relax while they soaked up the feeling of being cup winners, but all eyes are on trying to spark a promotion party come the end of the season in their quest to seal a Championship play-off place.
Murray said: “It was a nice day. So they got the barbecue on and I had some food. But we were training on Sunday so that was it for me. Ayr’s another big game and we want to build on winning the cup by getting back winning in the league between now and the end of the season so we can get promotion.
“We’ve been going through a tough run in the league for however long, but this can give us the big lift we need. It gets our confidence back and we know we can push on from here. As long as we can get Dundee United back into the top division, I’ll be delighted.”
Murray moved to United two years ago from minnows Arbroath and the local lad admits he’ll treasure Saturday’s triumph in Lanarkshire. His classy cross was perfect for Danish hitman Mikkelsen who supplied the all-important finishing touch and the red-haired striker was more than happy with his vital contribution.
Meanwhile, manager McKinnon is urging his side to use Saturday’s win as a catalyst for a return to form in the Championship having lost their last three league outings to leave them sitting fourth.
He said; “This has given everyone a big boost. We wanted to win the cup all along and have done so. Now we have to focus on the league campaign again starting with Ayr United.”
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