My last clash with Carter-Vickers and Celtic forced me into the gym – I am seeing benefits admits Dundee United star

Dundee United star Kristijan Trapanovski admitted his last visit to Celtic Parkhead and duel with Cameron Carter-Vickers forced him into the gym.

The North Macedonia international started in the 2-0 defeat back in January. He was too easily pushed aside by CCV and then the penny dropped and he realised he would need to bulk up if he wanted to make his mark in Scottish football. Trapanovski has been doing a lot of work, away from the training pitch and hopes it will show and this time he can be the one causing the big American and the Celtic defence problems.

The winger recalled: “In the last game against Celtic, I had a duel with Cameron Carter-Vickers and he pushed me off the ball. It was a 50-50 race and I got past him but he just put his hands on me and got me out of the way. After the game, I came away from it saying ‘Trapa', you need to hit the gym!’.

“I realised I needed to bulk up a bit so I have been doing extra gym sessions over the last month. I have been doing a lot of power exercises, not a lot of weight stuff, but more to do with power and speed. I have been doing a lot of squats, jumps and exercises for my hamstrings.”

The 25-year-old is seeing the benefits of the work first hand. Trapanovksi admitted: “The gym work has been beneficial and I feel like I have put some weight on and feel good. My tests have improved, I am doing better on the results of them now.

“I did 9.7 metres per second the other day, which is 34.9km per hour. My top speed has been 35.7kmh in the game against Rangers and I think I am getting up to 98% now where it was only 93% before so it’s working.”

The former Shkupi player reckons his ability has never been in question and if he can add more physicality it can take his game to another