Dundee United starlet Sadat Anaku claims he had no fear in making his debut at Ibrox ahead of the Tangerines' visit to Glasgow on Saturday.
The Ugandan, 21, joined Dundee United on a two-year-deal as a complete unknown from Kampala Capital City in August, having scored 22 goals in 67 games for the multiple-time winners of the top-flight and impressed on a trial spell at Tannadice after netting goals galore in pre-season.
The striker, who is on the verge of breaking into his national team already, had been made to wait for his Scottish Premiership debut by then-boss Jack Ross after being selected as an unused substitute in the 0-0 draw at Motherwell on September 3. But that wait was no more when he made his league debut for the strugglers whilst 2-0 down away at Rangers just before the hour-mark - with Liam Smith halving the deficit shortly after his introduction. And despite not capitalising on his immediate superb start, Anaku claims that he wasn't fazed by the loud crowds in Govan; promising United fans that it is 'only just the beginning for him' as he aims to etch his name into Tannadice folklore.
“I had no fear coming on at Ibrox despite the fact this was a big crowd for me; one of the biggest since I started my career,” Anaku told Courier Sport. “It was a great number of people compared to back home in Uganda. We would sometimes play in the African Champions League and that is where you get the big crowds. But in the (Ugandan) Premier League, it is not like this!
“But I had the belief in myself. I just want to play for this badge and give everything. If you have that in your heart and your head, then you have nothing to fear. I came on to the pitch knowing what I needed to do and ready for the challenge. I was really excited for the opportunity. This is the reason I wanted to come to this country and chase my dream of professional football."
Despite United being bottom of the table, there is more than enough firepower in their squad to warrant a finish the top half of the table come the end of the season. That was evidenced by last season's fourth-placed finish regardless of their dismal exit to AZ Alkmaar - and Anaku has said that there is more than enough reason for them to back him in his quest to become a Tangerines icon and fire them back up the table.
“I can say to the supporters that this is just the beginning for me and I am looking forward to giving them joy. I am proud — but we wanted points. We will take the positives and go into the next game with a positive mindset.
“The boys were giving it everything and it feels like we deserved a point. I think if the game had gone a little bit longer, then you never know."
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