He had barely arrived at the club when his fellow eastern European scored the goal that took Dundee United to Hampden but Henri Anier looks set to have to take on Nadir Cifcti's main responsibilities in Sunday's League Cup final.

The Estonian striker who spent last season with Motherwell was, of course, fully aware of the possibilities when he signed and admits it was a contributory factor in his decision."It's great to be involved in the cup games even though I missed early rounds," he said. "We are in a good position in the league but it's about winning honours. As a footballer that is what you want the most. To win something, to write something in history, you know.

"When I was asked to sign, Dundee United were still in both cups and in a good position in the league, so this was a good move."

Anier admits that on his arrival at Tannadice he had work to do on his match fitness as a result of his move from Motherwell to German club Erzebirge Aue not working out as he had hoped when the manager who signed him departed soon after, resulting in him largely being sidelined.

Consequently, while he has enjoyed himself since returning to the SPFL Premiership, he expects much more of himself.

"It's gone well but there is more to come," he said.

"I had not played first team football in Germany for three or four months before I came to Tannadice and I think I'm getting back to my best now.

"I felt like had a small 'pre-season' when I came to United in January and day by day I'm getting stronger. I am also getting to know the team and how we play and I'm really happy to be here.

"I signed a two and a half year contract. I know I can get better and I am having individual training as well to get better."

To date the return on investment has not been what supporters might have hoped, a solitary goal to date in a 3-2 defeat at Kilmarnock a month ago, but there could be no better time to start proving his capacity to be a match-winner and there is evidence that recent history may be on his side in that regard.

Dieter Van Tornhout had similarly joined Kilmarnock in the January of that year when he scored the winning goal against Celtic in the 2012 final; Esmael Goncalves arrived at St Mirren in January 2013 and promptly scored the goal that sent them on their way to a shock Leaqgue Cup semi-final win against Celtic, going on to score in the defeat of Hearts in the final; and even last season, while Morton did not go on to win the tournament, Dougie Imrie had been with them just a couple of months when he scored the goal that inflicted another upset upon Celtic.

Naturally Anier was oblivious to all of that, but he understandably welcomed it being brought to his attention.

"It is an interesting tradition," he mused when it was put to him.

"It would be nice to carry that on."

"I am really looking forward to the game. I am not new to the Celtic team. I played against them at Motherwell and van Dijk was there but not Denayer.

"As I say, though, it is not about individuals. We play as a team and are focused on the game."

In that vein, as a specialist striker who is used to leading the line, Anier seems the obvious choice to replace the suspended Ciftci and he believes he can contribute the necessary fire-power, albeit he is taking absolutely nothing for granted.

"Of course I am," he said, when asked if he was confident of capacity to make the difference on Sunday, before re-stating that whether or not he starts he has bought into the collective ethos that was evident when nine-man United defied Celtic in last weekend's fiery Scottish Cup tie.

"It's the gaffer's decision who plays on Sunday but we are a team. Every day we train as a team. I was on the bench the last game against Celtic. It was a really interesting game to watch and I enjoyed it. Everyone, even on the bench, is backing the team 100%.

"The guys who go out to play are giving everything and we are all just a little part of that. If the gaffer chooses someone for the cup then everyone is or than up for it and more than ready."

As a striker with senior international experience he also believes he knows how to cope with an occasion of this magnitude.

"Before the big games everyone has a small anxiety, but this is a fantastic occasion for our fans and the players," said Anier.

"I had a few big games with Estonia and these are the things you look forward to most. This is what football is about and you must enjoy these things."