HAPPY BIRTHDEE TO ME

Murray hopes he can gift Dundee a vital derby win as he turns 34

- BY SCOTT BURNS

BIRTHDAY WISHES Murray wants derby victory to make his big day

DUNDEE skipper Simon Murray is looking for a derby-day win as one of his birthday presents.

The striker turns 34 today and hopes he can gift-wrap a home win and three points against Dundee United.

Murray said: "Yes, I'll be 34. Mental that, eh?

"Obviously I'm looking forward to the game and hopefully it's a good birthday for myself.

"I don't have any celebrations planned because I'll be in training on Monday.

"But hopefully we get a good result first."

The experienced striker has played on both sides of the derby divide.

He is now with his boyhood heroes in dark blue.

Murray has learned from past experiences and tries to stay away from pregame hype.

But the hitman insists he will still be a madman when the first whistle blows.

Murray said: "When I was younger, I used to get caught up in the emotion of the game a wee bit more.

"This is the game that you always wanted to play in so much as a youngster.