Jamie McGrath is no stranger to the European scene and knows it will be a night to remember if Dundee United can see off AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday evening.
The Republic of Ireland international made his debut in last week’s 1-0 win over the Dutch side and played his part with a back-heeled assist for Glenn Middleton’s winner. It gave Jack Ross ’ side the slightest of advantages going into their Europa Conference League return in the AFAS Stadium.
McGrath admitted it was a dream debut as United produced a top Euro performance but knows it will count for nothing unless they finish the job in Alkmaar. He said: “I only trained for the first time on Wednesday but the gaffer gave me the nod that I might be involved if everything went through on time. When I got word I might be in the squad I was buzzing but I just prepared like I normally would.
“The atmosphere was absolutely unbelievable. This European tie was the main reason I wanted to get it done in good time. Thankfully everything went smoothly and I was able to get a night I’ll remember for the rest of my career.
“Those are the games that are so special and stay with you. It was even better than I expected. You could feel it during the warm-up! The atmosphere was unbelievable – barely any empty seats – and when the fans are like that, you thrive off it. It gives you that extra yard.”
The 27-year-old has previously been involved in a number of big European sides with Dundalk. There was the heartbreak of losing to Rosenborg in extra time in the Champions League then beating Estonians Levadia in the Europa League before eventually bowing out to AEK Larnaca.
The big one was beating Riga in the 2019 Champions League before they went out to Qarabag then lost in the Europa League to Slovan Bratislava. McGrath said: “These big European nights are something I missed. I had a few of them with Dundalk and when you look back at the memorable games, those are the ones you reflect on.
“I’ll never forget the scenes out in Latvia and I hope there’s another really big night to come. Last week was one of the best, results-wise and in terms of the atmosphere, but we’re only halfway there and can’t get carried away. It’ll be a different challenge in Holland – we know that – but we’ll take so much confidence from the game at Tannadice.”
Ross told his players before the home leg if they played the way they were capable of he knew they would get a result. The only team who looked shocked were their Dutch visitors.
McGrath added: “The gaffer told us pre-match if we’re on it we’d probably get a result. We had that belief, and proved that we can play and fight. We weren’t out of our depth at all. We’ve got a lot of options and quality and we’re all champing at the bit to get in there.”
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