Ryan Gauld had a restricted view the last time he travelled to Europe with Dundee United.
A member of the travelling party when his club ventured to Russia for the second leg of a Europa League qualifying tie with Dinamo Moscow in 2012, the diminutive teenager was instructed to carry the kit around for the first team. He was then in the stand for a match which United lost 5-0.
The playmaker will feel much closer to the action this season as he helps his side chase down both Aberdeen and Motherwell, the teams which currently occupy the qualifying spots for Europe. He is likely to be in the squad tomorrow when United alight at Pittodrie.
Returning to continental competition is a strong incentive for Gauld - a player who attracted interest from clubs around Europe earlier in the campaign - and he is determined for his side to continue their pursuit of a top-three league finish.
"It would be amazing to qualify for Europe because everyone in the dressing room wants to experience that," he said. "It's something that would stay with you for the rest of your days so that's the goal for us this season.
"I was actually in the squad for the game in Moscow a couple of years ago. I travelled over with the team but didn't make the bench. I was in the stand. Even though I wasn't involved it was still a great experience to be there, see what European football is like and see a team like Dinamo Moscow close up.
"I was part of the squad but I still had to help with the kit. Dinamo were a very good side. They had a lot of quality - they had Kevin Kuyrani up front and he has played in the Champions League. They had players who cost a lot of money."
This United team has instead been richly rewarded for promoting players from the youth system and Gauld is confident that their style of play is suited to the European game. "I watch the Spanish football and the Champions League," he added.
"It's good to watch these matches, compare the different styles and see how other countries play the game. Everyone is learning all the time and I think if we got into Europe we could do okay. I think the style of European games would suit the way we play."
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