Ciftci grateful to Dundee United for warm welcome

Dundee United signing Nadir Ciftci insists he already feels right at home and wants to repay the club for instantly welcoming him into the fold.

The Dutch-born Turkish striker signed a two-year deal with Jackie McNamara’s men earlier this week and is set to face FA Cup holders Wigan at the DW Stadium this afternoon as United gear up for Friday’s top-flight opener at Partick Thistle.

Ciftci, 21, shone as a trialist during their recent pre-season tour of Germany and Spain to convince McNamara to make him his ninth summer signing following his departure from Dutch side NAC Breda.

Ciftci said: “I felt at home from the first day I arrived at the club which is a big thing. I’ve got to thank the club for that. They’ve looked after me really well and I want to repay them for that.

“There are obviously a lot of new faces here as well and I actually know Kudus Oyenuga from Tottenham from my time at Portsmouth. We had a little chat about that so that’s good to know someone when you arrive at a new club.

“I was made to feel so welcome from the gaffer and all the lads. They gave me a great opportunity to show what I can do. I just did my best and in the end it was enough to get a deal.”