The midfielder wants to mark his 100th game for the Tangerines by getting a result in the hunt for Europe against the Hoops
Craig Sibbald wants to mark his 100th Dundee United appearance by getting a result against title-chasing Celtic.
His Tannadice low was relegation and the high was getting United back into the Premiership last season.
Sibbald reckons he would surpass that if he could get United back into Europe again this season.
The midfielder admitted: “I’m looking forward to making my 100th appearance for the club – hopefully I’ll be picked on Saturday!
“It’s been up and down since I came here, but I have loved it. The fans have taken to me, so I’ve enjoyed it all. Being relegated was the low point, obviously, and the highest was winning the league last season.
“Last season was really enjoyable and coming back from injury this season with the team challenging for Europe has been great.
“I think if we can get into European football this season it would be the highlight. To do something over the whole season, against top teams in the Premiership, would make it the best.”
The former Falkirk and Livingston player admitted there was interest in him after United’s relegation but he wanted to get them back up.
“After relegation there were some conversations with managers but I wanted to stay here and help the club back up, Sibbald confirmed. “I wanted it to just be a year for the club down there, bounce straight back.
“In a lot of ways, relegation allowed the club to reset and rebuild. It’s worked out for the better and we’re thriving off it now.
“We have got back to playing young players and have kicked on this season, you can see that from where we’re sitting in the league.”
Celtic can win the league if they take a point at Tannadice. United need points to keep in the hunt for third place.
Sibbald said: “We don’t want them winning it at Tannadice. We’ll have a game plan which we’ll stick to and we believe we can get something from the game. If we work hard and do our defensive duties well, we’ll be in with a shout.
“We are trying to get up the table so we have plenty to play for this weekend. We have been working on a game plan with the manager.
“Obviously Celtic have threats all over the pitch so we have to be ready for that.
“I haven’t played against a team trying to win a league in a game before but I don’t think Celtic will be just the same. They’ll do their usual, they won’t drop their standards – they’ll go for the throat trying to win it as soon as possible.”
Jim Goodwin confirmed earlier this week that Declan Gallagher and Louis Moult won’t be getting their contracts renewed this summer. Sibbald knows they will be determined to bow out on a high.
He said: “Declan and Louis have high standards so will be wanting to go out on a high.
“It will be a sad day to see them leave but they will be proud if they can leave with us in Europe. That would let them walk away on a happy note.
“You want to do as well as you can every season so you have to hit the standards.
“This club is aiming to improve that every year and if you want to play here you have to meet what’s expected of you.
“The gaffer brought in players last season who have done well, they have got their recruitment right.”
Sam Daly should be fit but the game is likely to come too soon for Ross Graham.
