Goodwin: Dundee United have to go to Vienna with belief and confidence
United must find a way past a team that reached the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals last season if they are to progress in the competition, with AIK Stockholm or Hungarians ETO FC Gyor awaiting the winners in the play-offs.
Rapid lost to Djurgarden of Sweden after extra time in April following a run which saw them beat the likes of Copenhagen.
The 32-times Austrian champions, who lost to United in the European Cup quarter-finals in 1984, produced a 6-2 aggregate win over Decic of Montenegro in the second qualifying round and have won both of their domestic matches this season.
Goodwin told DUTV: 'Rapid Vienna are a really decent European team. They got as far as the quarter-finals in this competition last year.
'They've got a huge turnover financially. They've spent a lot of money this summer on transfers, I think they've spent four or five million.
'So we are expecting a really, really difficult fixture. But it's exciting.
'It's exciting for the supporters as well, who travelled in unbelievable numbers last week to Luxembourg. We are expecting similar again in Vienna.
'The players will give everything for the jersey.
'Of course it's going to be a difficult evening, but we have to go out there with belief and confidence that we can get a result and take it back to Tannadice and hopefully still be in the tie.'
Meanwhile, Dutch striker Jort van der Sande has returned to his homeland to join second-tier side SC Cambuur on a permanent transfer.
The 29-year-old forward failed to score in 35 appearances during his sole season at Tannadice.
A club statement read: 'Everyone at Dundee United would like to thank Jort for his professionalism, commitment and contributions during his time in tangerine, as we extend our best wishes for his future endeavours.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
9 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Clubs won't expect it' – Luke Littler gives his prediction for Man Utd's season
United are keen for the recently-crowned World Matchplay champion to visit Old Trafford to show off his latest trophy success. RED DEVILS REVIVAL 'Clubs won't expect it' – Luke Littler gives his prediction for Man Utd's season LUKE LITTLER is 'excited' about Manchester United's prospects this year – and reckons 'most clubs' will be surprised by their revival under boss Ruben Amorim. United embarrassingly finished 15th in last season's Premier League, losing 18 league matches as morale hit rock bottom. Advertisement 6 Benjamin Sesko has signed for Manchester United for £74million from RB Leipzig Credit: Getty 6 The Slovenian striker scored lots of goals in the German top flight and could fire United to a better league position Credit: Getty And the Red Devils had the turmoil of losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao, which denied them Champions League football. It was their worst campaign since they were relegated from the top flight in 1974 and Portuguese chief Amorim, 40, is under pressure to deliver this term. It has not been easy being a fan of the club and Littler, one of their most high-profile supporters, had to put up with a lot of abuse, especially on social media, from those from rival teams. Yet performances in the recent Summer Series in the US have given him cause for great optimism. Advertisement READ MORE ON MAN UTD DONNA-RUMOUR Watch Ruben Amorim's reaction when asked if Man Utd are signing Donnarumma And the United hierarchy have backed their man, splashing the cash this summer by signing Matheus Cunha (£62.5million), Diego Leon (£7million), Bryan Mbeumo (£65million) and Benjamin Sesko (£74million). Striker Sesko, 22, has arrived from RB Leipzig and is an exciting young talent who could take the Prem by storm and perhaps solve their scoring issues. Littler, 18, said: 'I'm very excited. I think we are underdogs. 'Obviously from last season, I don't think anything worse can happen – unless we finish 16th. Advertisement 'But yeah, I think it is going to be a very interesting season. Most clubs won't expect it but I'm expecting top five.' Manchester United are keen for fellow Treble winner Littler to return to Old Trafford and show off his latest major darts trophy. 6 Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo has arrived at Old Trafford as part of a mega-money summer recruitment spend Credit: Getty 6 Brazilian star Matheus Cunha is set to make his United senior debut against Arsenal next weekend Credit: Getty Advertisement Waiting for the match to start? 📺 Keep up the live action with bet365 live casino! 👇 Last month, the Warrington teenager completed the Triple Crown when he beat James Wade 18-13 to lift the Betfred World Matchplay. Within the space of just 15 months, he has won the sport's three biggest events – the Premier League Darts, the World Championship and the Matchplay. Advertisement On Sunday January 19 – two days before his 18th birthday – Littler showed off the Sid Waddell Trophy to Red Devils fans at half-time of the 3-1 Prem loss to Brighton. It is going to be a very interesting season. Most clubs won't expect it but I'm expecting top five. Luke Littler on Manchester United's new Premier League campaign Following his latest triumph, secured at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, club insiders would welcome him doing the same again with this pot of silverware. Though Littler was not even born when United completed the historic Treble in 1999, they see the similarities with his latest achievement. 6 Luke Littler showed off the Sid Waddell Trophy at Old Trafford in January 2025 Credit: Getty Advertisement 6 Ruben Amorim will be determined to avoid a repeat of last year's terrible Premier League campaign Credit: Getty No official conversation has been had yet between the two parties but Littler has close links to the management. SunSport understands they are open to talks and say he is always welcome given his love and loyalty towards United. On his first VIP visit in January 2024, he met up with legendary boss Alex Ferguson and posed for photos. Advertisement United open their Premier League campaign against Arsenal on Sunday August 17.
Scotsman
38 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Brendan Rodgers hits back at Celtic critics, has say on strikers and reveals player who was sick at half time
Manager feels shot-shy Idah needs help despite big win at Pittodrie Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reiterated his desire to strengthen his forward line after watching his strikers toil once more despite winning 2-0 against Aberdeen. The league champions were reliant on goals from midfielders Benjamin Nygren - his first for the club - and Reo Hatate to down the Dons, with last season's goalscorers Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah once again firing a blank in the north-east. Rodgers believes that Idah would benefit from more competition, with the focus on the Irishman as he tries to fill the shoes vacated by Kyogo Furuhashi in January in January. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Asked if he has sympathy for Idah, whose last Celtic goal was on May 14 at Pittodrie, Rodgers said on the 24-year-old: "Listen, there's no doubt that we need to reinforce the top line. There's no doubt, I'm really pleased with where we are structurally in defensive numbers. You know, we've got a squad from our back line to midfield that can cope domestically and cope in the European competition. So, I'm really pleased with that aspect. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans after the win over Aberdeen. | SNS Group 'But I think we need competition at the top end of the field. So, yes, for Adam, he's a big, honest boy. He was at his best here when was really challenging with Kyogo for the position. And that is something that is important, I think, for us to get. But in the meantime, we work hard and he'll always be that reference for us.' Pressed if Idah just needs a goal to spark him back into form, Rodgers continued: "Yes, listen, you're a striker at Celtic. You have to be strong mentally. You've got to score goals, of course. But I've a lot of faith in him. He really needs that real competition beside him. And I think that's what you then get the most out of him. So, yes, he didn't quite score today, but he worked very hard. And he's given his all and it'll get better as the season goes on.' Celtic will have a Champions League play-off tie later this month against either Kairat Almaty and Slovan Bratislava to negotiate and if they want a new striker for that match, he must be registered by Thursday. "I really don't know at this point,' was the manager's response if an addition will be made by that deadline. 'I think for us, it's something that we know we need to do. But in the meantime, we'll work with the players that are here until our reinforcements arrive.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Midfield duo excel for Celtic Rodgers labelled his team's performance as 'excellent' at Pittodrie and was delighted with the contributions of Nygren and Hatate. 'I thought we had real good control and domination of the game,' the manager said. 'Scored two outstanding goals, could have had more. And then in the moments we had to be strong, we showed strength and power and kept any efforts on goal to a minimum. So, yes, really pleased for the players.' Celtic sit top of the league on maximum points, already four points ahead of Old Firm rivals Rangers. Despite rumblings over transfer activity and style of play, they remain in a good place and Rodgers had some words for critics. 'Listen, there'll always be a narrative around,' he said. 'You know, I'd heard something the other day about 'you don't play good football and don't play that, we've never played that in the last two years'. So, I think there's a number of people that really don't like me here at Celtic! 'But with me and looking at the team, I'm really happy to see how the players are, the current players that we have. Two clean sheets, control, a difficult game, showed a resilience last week to break through. And we're tickling along nicely. And, as we know, what will make the football always smile that wee bit more and a bit more creative is the level of player. So, we hope we can do that and then we'll be, hopefully by the end of the month, in a really good place.' Rodgers also praised Tierney for battling on despite being sick at half time and his cross for the opening goal. 'That's what his super strength is,' Rodgers added. 'He's really good in that moment where one v one, he's got really explosive speed. And his crossing ability is really good. We've seen it last week at St Mirren, putting some great balls into the box. We didn't quite get the goal, but yes, he'd done well to come out for the second half. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Daily Record
38 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Brendan Rodgers gives up on Celtic transfer gripe as Kris Boyd fires back Rangers truth bomb
The Hoops moved to the top of the Premiership after seeing off Aberdeen 2-0 Boss Brendan Rodgers insists he won't continue to raise his concerns over Celtic's lack of attacking recruits this summer. And former Rangers hero Kris Boyd reckons the Hoops are showing they are happy to remain ahead of their city rivals domestically – rather than push on in the Champions League – amid a quiet summer. The Premiership champions made it consecutive wins after goals from Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate proved enough to take three points at Pittodrie. It moves Celtic to the summit of the table with attention quickly turning to European matters as the Hoops must submit their full squad for the Champions League play-off r ound by midnight on Thursday, August 14 ahead of the clash with either Slovan Bratislava or Kairat. Following the win over the Dons, Rodgers was quizzed by Sky Sports over any incoming deals: "I've got no news now at this very moment on where we are at. "But like I say, our job between now and then (the deadline) and now and the end of the window is to make Celtic the best we can. In the meantime, we will continue to develop the players that are here. "We have had two tough games to start, St Mirren at home and Aberdeen away, in the context of last year. "We have played well, come out of it with two clean sheets, and I know we will get better as the season as we go on." Pressed on if he was happy to go with this squad before the Champions League showdown, he said: "Well, it doesn't really matter. It's what is in the building. "Of course, I want Celtic to live in the very best possible place it can be. For me, that will be us bringing in more players at the top end of the pitch. "And if they are not there, we will work with the players that are there and make them the very best they can be. "I'm not going to keep going on about it. We know where we need to strengthen, we know if we want to be the best we can be we have to - but the players that are here are working very well and we have had two very good performances." Former Parkhead midfielder Stiliyan Petrov was then put on the spot about if the current squad was good enough to rub shoulders with Europe's elite. He responded: "I'll say no. I think Brendan Rodgers deserves to ask for players - I think that is what strong managers do. I think managers not only improve the team but improve the board and push for better. I do think he needs help." Former Rangers' striker Kris Boyd interjected- pointing out the spend on Arne Engels, Auston Trusty and Adam Idah last summer which wracked up at around £26million. He added: "He spent money last year, though. Trusty can't get a game, Engels can't get a game - Idah wouldn't be in the team if he didn't have to be." Boyd would then go on to declare that Celtic are happy to keep their noses ahead of their city rivals and secure domestic dominance. He added: "I kind of get the feeling as a club they are quite happy winning domestically. "Where else are they going to go in Europe? Do you drop into the Europa League and maybe get a run in that? Then you don't have the finances of the Champions League. Celtic are running the football club as a business and they do it really well - does that mean you need to go and sell two or three players to compensate? "You can't have it all. I think Celtic are quite content going into the Champions League - if they get to the knockout stages, well done. But apart from that they are quite happy winning comfortably domestically, and don't get me wrong - they will."
