Trapanovski reveals Miovski advice before Dundee Utd move and why facing Celtic and Rangers also big draw

Kristijan Trapanovski admits playing in Scotland has already made him a better footballer - just like Bojan Miovski predicted.

Trapanovski turned to his North Macedonia compatriot for advice when Dundee United came calling this summer. Miovski had been a huge hit for Aberdeen, scoring 44 goals in 91 starts for the Dons before a big-money move to La Liga side Girona last month.

The striker only had good things to say about playing in Scotland and helped Trapanovski make up his mind to sign for the Terrors. The 25-year-old, who will be in United’s squad for tomorrow’s clash with Rangers at Tannadice, said: “Bojan made a great impact here. I hope I can achieve half of what he did here. If I manage that, I’ll know I’ve done okay.

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“I spoke with him before I came here. He told me about the league, about the atmosphere in the league. About the teams and everything. He said there is no better place to improve as a player than here.”

Trapanovski has certainly hit the ground running for Jim Goodwin’s side with his performances for the Terrors earning him a first call-up to the senior North Macedonian side during the recent international break. The player was an unused sub in the two games against Armenia and the Faroe Islands but he admitted it was still a great experience, especially with his United team-mate David Babunski also part of the squad.

Trapanovski added: “I was expecting to get some minutes but there was a situation with a red card in the first game. That didn’t allow it. But I was happy to be there and hopefully next time I will get on the pitch and make my debut.

“It was great to have David there with me. He played the second game and he played well. I got a nice welcome from everyone there, but playing with David is very special every time.”

Trapanovski admitted gaining international recognition was a big factor when he decided to move to United. He said: “Yeah, it played a big part in me coming here because I think I have improved a lot already in these three months.

“The national team could see that and I got the call-up. You can learn a lot from other international players. We have very good players with big careers and it’s a great experience for me to play with them. I’m looking forward to it again.”

Trapanovski admitted that games against Rangers and Celtic, were also a big attraction for him. He said: “Absolutely. Everyone watches Celtic and Rangers. They are big games, like the Dundee derby, so we are looking forward to it.

“The confidence is high. We have had a great start and we are looking forward to Sunday. We have great fans, a great atmosphere and it will be a full stadium. Rangers are Rangers, but we always think we can get a positive result.”

Trapanovski made himself an instant hero with the United fans when he scored in the Premiership opener against city rivals Dundee at Tannadice. The winger admitted it was an unforgettable highlight of his career so far - even better than playing in the Champions League with former club Shkupi.

He added: “It was amazing. That was the best feeling in my life. I hope the stadium will be full again on Sunday and the same situation comes along and I score again.

“At the end of the day, the most important thing is the team and the result. I was expecting a big atmosphere at the derby but the stadium was full and the supporters were singing my name. It was crazy.

“I’ve never experienced that in my life. I played in the Champions League with Shkupi, but it was not the same as that first derby. We played in the qualification, we had a good first result but after that the results were not that great. So it wasn’t near this experience. The Dundee derby would be in first place ahead of those games.”

While pleased with how he has settled in at United, Trapanovski insists there is still more to come from him in a tangerine shirt. He said: “I think I can give more because it’s only been three months for me, a new environment and everything.

“It’s getting to know new players and a new club, but I think I’m getting there. I’m not still at 100 percent but I’m getting there. I think I’m still learning how the tempo of this league is. How fast the play is and how physical it is.” United will be without the injured Ryan Strain.