GAMBLER'S PARADISE

Goodwin's big risk pays off as undercooked Zac sets United on the way to Dens derby win

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JIM GOODWIN'S huge gamble paid off in spades after he chose to play Zac Sapsford from the start in the derby.

Dundee United's Aussie striker had been struggling with an ankle injury since their Conference League exit to Rapid Vienna just over two weeks ago.

But the manager rolled the dice, with Sapsford repaying his faith by opening the scoring against the Dark Blues at Dens before Ivan Dolcek sealed United's first Premiership win of the season in the second half.

Goodwin said: "It was a huge gamble starting Zac because he only trained on Saturday. He took a really heavy knock in the Rapid Vienna game and hasn't trained since.

"But he's such a strong character and these are the types of games he came to Scotland to play in.

"There was no way he was going to be anything but fit, as far as he was concerned.

"He was only 70 per cent fit, to be honest. He's a terrific character who has had a great start to his Dundee United career and the fans love him.

"They love his energy and the way he never gives defenders a minute.

"His goal contributions, in terms of scoring and assists, have been exceptional. I couldn't be happier for him. We had a lot of really good performances. The forward players will always get so much of the credit and rightly so because putting the ball in the net is the hardest thing to do."

United stormed ahead in 14 minutes when Luca Stephenson burst down the right before producing a perfect cutback to Sapsford who made no mistake.