Bobby Wales is set to be thrust straight in for a debut in the Dundee derby at Tannadice on Saturday and has "a point to prove" after moving to Dens Park on loan, says Scott Allan.
Former Kilmarnock striker Wales, 21, is back in Scottish football after struggling to make the grade at Swansea City following his move last summer.
With Simon Murray out injured long term, can Wales recapture the form he showed at Killie?
"What you're starting to see with [manager] Steven Pressley is he's getting guys who understand Scotland," said Allan, who played for both Dundee and Unitd.
He added: "Wales has a lot of good aspects about his game. As a young player coming back, you'll have that point to prove you're going to be the talisman for this Dundee side. They're very well organised.

#prove

Cameron Carter-Vickers in action during Celtic's 4-0 Premier Sports Cup win over Dundee United. Saturday 15 August. Tannadice. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou
Cameron Carter-Vickers yesterday pledged his long term future to Celtic which is a boost after losing Arne Engels last week and only retaining the services of Alistair Johnston due to another injury picked up at Rugby Park ahead of his proposed move to Everton going through.
The Canadian right-back's injury record is becoming something of a concern and may well make future suitors think twice but that is a story for another day.
CCV spoke to the media yesterday afternoon ahead of this evening's hugely important first leg in the Champions League playoff against Austrian Champions LASK at Celtic Park. The American damaged his achilles in a Europa League match at Paradise last October against Sturm Graz and that ended his season, so he spent most of his time on the treatment table with AJ.
That frustrating period on the sidelines has resulted in Carter-Vickers taking stock and realising that he is perfectly content playing his football in a Celtic jersey.

#vickers #champions

After a blistering start to their domestic season, Celtic will begin their Champions League campaign on Wednesday night by hosting LASK in the first leg of the play-off round. The spirit must be high in the camp after the weekend's thumping 4-0 League Cup win at Tannadice Park against Dundee United. But the Austrian heavyweights, who won their first league ****** le in 61 years, would be more resolute in deep defence.
Meanwhile, the LASK boss Dietmar Kühbauer considers the home side favourites for this European encounter. However, he calls for a balanced and proactive performance in Glasgow rather than a purely defensive approach, and this midweek contest would be a tactical battle between two domestic champions in their first-ever competitive meeting for a lucrative league-phase spot in this coveted tournament.
The Hoops are weighing up a move for another goalkeeper. But they are not in a rush, thanks to Viljami Sinisalo's command and composure ever since replacing the injured Kasper Schmeichel between the sticks earlier this year.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 25: Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic making a pass during Celtic v AC Milan in a pre-season friendly at Celtic Park on July 25, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Alistair Johnston's injury is a massive blow, and the gaffer Martin O'Neill is likely to rely on Colby Donovan down the right, having preferred him over Anthony Ralston in recent fixtures. Liam Scales got the nod against the Tangerines as a left fullback, but could make way for Kieran Tierney, who remains the preferred choice for his flair, finesse and trademark crosses. The USMNT duo Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty should continue as the first-team central defensive pairing.

#league #lask #park

Martin O'Neill's side will make the trip to Ibrox for a 12pm kick-off, with Premier Sports broadcasting the Glasgow derby live.
The Hoops booked their place in the last eight with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.
Goals from Auston Trusty, Camilo Duran, Sebastian Tounekti and Benjamin Nygren sealed Celtic's progression before they were handed an away tie against Rangers in the quarter-final draw.
The fixture will now form the first half of a huge derby double-header for Celtic.
O'Neill's side welcome Rangers to Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership just seven days later on Sunday, September 20.

#side

Celtic's League Cup quarter final match against Rangers at Ibrox has been confirmed as going ahead on Sunday, September 13 with a 12noon kick-off time.
The Celts booked their place in the quarters with a resounding 4-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday with the goals coming from Auston Trusty, Camilo Duran, Sebastian Tounekti and Benjamin Nygren.
The quarter-final is now part of a derby double-header with the teams meeting again a week later in the league here at Celtic Park.

#rangers #dundee

9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Hyunjun Yang of Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
Goals from Auston Trusty, Camilo Duran, Sebastian Tounekti and Benjamin Nygren secured Celtic's place in the quarter-finals with a comfortable win at Tannadice.
However, there were some notable omissions from O'Neill's matchday squad, with both Yang and Ralston missing.
With Celtic now preparing for Wednesday night's crucial Champions League play-off first leg against LASK, O'Neill provided an update on the pair after the game.
Asked about their absence, the Celtic boss explained via The Herald: "Tony was with us, but you can only pick so many.

#yang

League Cup
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Tannadice Park, Dundee
DUNDEE UNITED...0
CELTIC...4

#dundee #tannadice #united #celtic

Listen to Sportsound commentary from Tannadice
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#scores #sportsound #hassan

Martin O'Neill returns to the dugout today for Celtic's League Cup opener against Dundee United at Tannadice and has made four changes to last weekend's 5-1 SPFL win at Kilmarnock.
In come Liam Scales, Sebastian Tounekti, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Colby Donovan for this evening's game with Arne Engels, Alistair Johnston, Kieran Tierney and Yang all missing from last week's starters.
There are places on the bench for new Bhoys Haissem and Hassan and Mika Baur who joined the Champions during the week.
The full team:
CELTIC: Sinisalo, Donovan, Trusty, Carter-Vickers, Scales, McGregor, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Nygren, Durán, Tounekti, Høgh.

#scales #donovan #last

Celtic begin our Premier Sports campaign this evening with a difficult task against Jim Goodwin's Dundee United at Tannadice later this afternoon.
It's the venue where Martin O'Neill last experienced the bitter taste of defeat before galvanising the team for a sensational ***** le run in which ended with a spectacular double.
That defeat at Tannadice was played on an atrocious playing surface which will not be the case today and with three of our new signings likely to start with another on the bench, there will certainly be a greater goal threat from Celtic on this occasion.
Celtic Manager Martin O Neill Celtic Training and press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Football, Lennoxtown Training Ground, East Dunbartonshire, Scotland, UK – 14 Aug 2026East Dumbartonshire Lennoxtown Training Ground United Kingdom PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROUxBULxUAExKSAxCHNxDENxINDxITAxPORxESPxSWExTURxMEXxCOLxVENxPERxECUxBRAxARGxCHIxURUxPARxPANxONLY Copyright: xStuartxWallace/Shutterstockx 17069852cb
Celtic also lost at Tannadice last season during the ill-fated and ill-considered tenure of Wilfried Nancy do we clearly are due a triumph in the City of Discovery where we also lost across the road last term with Brendan Rodgers in charge that afternoon.

#tannadice #last #ground

After an edgy win against Dundee in the opening gameweek, the reigning champions Celtic destroyed Kilmarnock in their own backyard by scripting an emphatic 5-1 victory. But a tricky test awaits them on Saturday evening, with Dundee United set to host Martin O'Neill's men in the second round of the Scottish League Cup.
The Tangerines dominated this fixture last season, defeating Celtic at Tannadice Park on both occasions. However, the Hoops secured a thumping 4-0 win in Glasgow earlier this year, and a dismal defeat against Hearts last weekend exposed their frailty in the defensive third. Heartbreak in the Cup final against St Mirren prevented them from achieving a domestic treble, and the Glasgow giants must stay cautious to avoid another upset on the road.
Celtic have so far relied on Viljami Sinisalo, who replaced injured Kasper Schmeichel and cemented the 'number 1' spot at the back end of the previous campaign. Ross Doohan has not been involved at all since his move from Aberdeen last summer, and the Scottish custodian would once again find himself as the understudy to the Finnish shot-stopper.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 10: Benjamin Nygren of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 10, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
A fresh injury setback would keep Alistair Johnston sidelined, and the gaffer might opt for Colby Donovan ahead of Anthony Ralston on the right. The club have yet to bring in a new left-back to deputise for Kieran Tierney, and the Tartan Army international must retain his starting status in the defensive third. Liam Scales is available for selection after serving a two-game suspension. But the balance and stability offered by Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty should not be compromised to incorporate the Irishman.

#celtic #last #united

3rd February 2026; SMISA Stadium, Paisley, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Heart of Midlothian; ~Referee Steven McLean
The Hoops travel to Tannadice on Saturday evening as Martin O'Neill's side begin their defence of the trophy, with kick-off scheduled for 5.45pm.
The Scottish FA has now confirmed the full officiating team for the knockout encounter, with McLean handed responsibility for the match.
Ross Macleod and Ross Nelson will serve as his ****** istants, while Ross Hardie has been named as fourth official.
Greg Aitken will oversee VAR duties from Clydesdale House, ****** isted by Duncan Williams.

#ross #february #premiership #Football

Jota of Celtic receives treatment before leaving the field during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United FC and Celtic FC at Tannadice on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It has been a long and difficult 16 months for Jota after he was helped off the pitch at Tannadice and left in crutches as the rest of his teammates celebrated a **** le win in the City of Discovery.
Shaun Maloney, who is taking media duties in the absence of Martin O'Neill who is recovering at home after surgery, revealed that the plan is to gradually nurse Jota back to full fitness, but didn't commit to an actual comeback timeframe.
Jota has endured an agonising 16 months, with his ACL injury suffering more than a few setbacks, with some supporters worrying that his career could indeed be over.
Jota of Celtic receives treatment before leaving the field during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United FC and Celtic FC at Tannadice on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

#premiership #dundee

On the eve of what is already a huge game in Rangers' season, they confirmed the signing of a player to fill a position in which they have been lacking ever since the departure of Vaclav Cerny.
In Daisuke Yokota, they have a left-footed right winger who they will hope can provide the creativity on that side that was missing from last season's failed ***** le bid.
The addition of the ***** anese forward, who recorded five goals and four ***** ists on loan at Bundesliga 2 side Hannover last season, will go some way to injecting an attacking threat that Rangers supporters have been crying out for.
They continue to be linked with others in that position, including the Celtic target Fares Ghedjemis, who would presumably be first-choice if they were able to get that over the line but options are definitely required on the evidence of the opening league game against Dundee United but also all of last season.
They do have options on the other flank, but Djeidi Gassama was hooked at half-time at Tannadice and after a promising start to his Ibrox career this time last year, has failed to build on that. Meanwhile, Findlay Curtis may not be deemed ready to take on the mantle of a first pick as Rangers try to ***** emble a ***** le-winning squad.

#failed #first

Friday night felt like the start of something.
A point against Rangers might not sound spectacular on paper, but anyone inside Tannadice knows United deserved to come away with plenty of credit. There was intensity, energy and - most importantly - an identity.
Five league debutants and a new-look side meant plenty of question marks before kick-off. Yet as the game settled, United grew into it.
The opening goal was superb. Josh Rawlins, Jesse Randall, Zac Sapsford and Lachlan Rose, the Thunder from Down Under combination, carving Rangers open with a move that deserved to be finished and thankfully was. Not a 30-yard screamer but they all count.
Rangers responded after the break as you would expect from a side chasing the ****** le and Jack Walton showed exactly why Jim Goodwin was so keen to bring him back.

#plenty #side #josh #rawlins

Zac Sapsford is loving the influx of players from down under at Tannadice.
The Australian striker joined Dundee United last summer and now has company in fellow countrymen Daniel Bennie, Lachlan Rose and Joshua Rawlins, plus New Zealander Jesse Randall.
"I am shocked at how many we are getting, it is amazing," said 23-year-old Sapsford.
"I am always happy to have more Australians here, it makes you feel a bit more at home and hearing that familiar accent is always nice.
"They are going to be good players for us this season as well so it will be amazing."

#amazing #always #australian #bennie

Derek McInnes will officially begin his reign as Rangers boss with a trip to Tannadice Park on Friday night. Despite snapping up seven new names, the Scotsman is expected to be backed with further additions before the window is slammed shut next month. But the focus must be on the upcoming clash with Dundee United, as a victory on the road should boost the Gers ahead of their crucial Europa League qualifier against Jagiellonia Białystok.
Although their most recent encounter finished 4-2 in favour of Rangers, a last-gasp spot-kick from Nedim Bajrami saw them escape defeat when they clashed heads in Dundee back in December. It won't be a stroll in the park for the Glasgow giants, and it remains to be seen whether McInnes replicates last season's tactical mastery while in charge of Hearts.
The Light Blues have replaced Jack Butland with Ivor Pandur, as the former Hull City goalkeeper has been roped in as the new 'number 1'. Veteran Liam Kelly would continue as the understudy to the Croatian following his contract renewal earlier this summer.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 26: Ben Godfrey of Rangers with a headed clearance during a pre-season friendly match between Rangers and West Ham at Ibrox Stadium on July 26, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
James Tavernier's departure has left a massive void down the right-hand side. Ross McCrorie has returned to his boyhood club, but the gaffer should rely on Dujon Sterling, who has impressed as a fullback in their pre-season outings. Ben Godfrey, snapped up on a season-long loan from Atalanta, is expected to feature alongside Emmanuel Fernandez in the heart of the backline. Tuur Rommens has been a revelation since his January arrival, and his presence on the left would offer a perfect balance between defence and attack.

#july

They have been separated for more than a decade by just 40 metres.
Now two clubs in south Wales believe they may finally have the most local rivalry in British football.
Nottingham Forest and Notts County, divided only by the River Trent, are the closest senior professional rivals in England.
Even less ****** e - only 0.17 miles (272m) - separates Dundee's Dens Park and Dundee United's Tannadice Park.
But when Cwmbran Celtic host Cwmbran Town on Tuesday evening for their first meeting in 16 years - in the third tier of Welsh football - it could be the shortest distance of the lot separating their home grounds.

#only

Martin O'Neill has revealed that Jota should be back on the training field in the coming weeks, but urged a note of caution on the winger returning to full fitness anytime soon.
Jota has been sidelined with a serious ACL injury since our ****** le winning day at Tannadice in April 2025. And that has left supporters wondering if we would ever see him in a Celtic jersey, or a football field for that matter ever again.
Speaking today the Celtic manager, to a certain eased those fears, but also played down a quick return for the man our support calls the 'Superstar from Portugal'.
Jota of Celtic receives treatment before leaving the field during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United FC and Celtic FC at Tannadice on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Speaking to the mainstream media at the club's Algarve training camp the Irishman said: "He's back with us on Monday week. But being back and being fit are two different things. I might be being conservative, it could be Halloween, but we will have a better idea.