Beaming Dundee United boss Jack Ross has lavished praise on his Europa Conference League heroes after they produced a stunning 1-0 first leg win to down AZ Alkmaar.
Backed by 14,000 raucous supporters, United transported their jubilant punters back to the 80s as the next generation got a taste of the legendary European nights made famous during their pomp under Jim McLean. Glenn Middleton's sumptuous second half strike settled the Europa Conference League third round qualifying first leg against Pascal Jansen's Eredivisie big-hitters in the City of Discovery.
Ross is acutely aware a mammoth job awaits in the Netherlands, however, the former Sunderland and Hibs boss was keen to soak up the stirring efforts from his stars. And he was quick to put the focus onto the players on the pitch who left their Dutch rivals reeling.
Speaking to BBC, the Dundee United boss said: "I spoke before the game we needed to be good and I thought we were, the first 10 minutes of the game was difficult, we knew they were a good team and they showed that in the opening period. I don't think it spooked us, it just took us a bit of time to settle but after I thought we were outstanding, we didn't control all the game, we had spells were we were good, spells were we had to defend.
"I said to them in there, the second leg we'll deal with but what they've done tonight is achieve a brilliant result against a top European team at home. It's a while since this club has done that, so that group in there should be really proud.
And Ross' kindest words were reserved for the matchwinner who curled home a stunner to leave their distinguished foes down in the dumps. The Dundee United boss is convinced the former Rangers winger has found a home at Tannadice.
He added: "I said he had the ability to produce moments like that, I think where he is at in his career he needs a home, I've worked with him previously, I enjoyed it, and I think he enjoyed the short period we had together. I encourage players in that part of the pitch to be expressive, I think I have a decent record of working with wide players.
"I am really pleased he got off to that type of start, because that helps you with supporters, it helps you with self confidence, I've not seen the goal again but at the time I thought he was brilliant. Jamie's (McGrath) involvement coming off the bench.
"It's just an all round good night."
And Ross was quick to praise the incredible noise and colour United's fervent fanbase created to spook the visitors and help their team towards victory.
He said: "The atmosphere was unbelievable, I've been lucky to be involved in some big games as a manager, the atmosphere in here at times was incredible."
And he quipped after the triumph that he, perhaps, should call it one and done at United after securing the perfect first result in his new home.
He joked: “Maybe I should call it quits now! I know from experience it doesn’t always continue to go well."
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