Glenn Middleton hails Dundee United Europa Conference League heroics as he reveals AZ strike kept him up all night

Glenn Middleton has been proudly watching his European glory goal on repeat since Thursday – just like Dundee United ’s fans.

The former Rangers kid left two defenders in his wake before he took a back heel from Jamie McGrath, charged into the box and curled a shot into the far corner to score the only goal of the game against AZ Alkmaar. But his big Europa Conference League moment isn’t what the 22-year-old wants to be known for when he finally hangs up the boots.

No, Middleton has a much grander vision for the stories he’ll tell the grandkids – he wants to be a regular magic man in Europe and the Premiership. He said: “I’ve watched the goal a few times already. I didn’t get much sleep on Thursday night!

“It doesn’t happen that often and when it does happen you need to enjoy it. I’ve had some lovely texts and hopefully I can have a few more nights like this.

“I know I can produce stuff like that and I’m grateful the manager feels the same now. It’s about me doing it consistently, that’s the challenge. I’m grateful the manager and coaching team are willing to work with me to allow it to happen.

“I’m always so grateful for the opportunities I was given at Rangers but it was time to come to another club permanently and do things, like that goal, on important nights. It’s a start but I need to keep doing that consistently and to keep building every week.”

Middleton scored a big goal for Rangers against Spartak Moscow but reckons this one surpassed that – and it will be even bigger if United can finish the job in Holland next week.

He said: “There was all the talk of Dundee United being back on the European stage and we didn’t want to let the occasion bypass us.

“It is definitely the best in terms of the emotions I