The Rangers birthday party that never was as Dundee United star fesses up over an almighty mix-up

It seemed like the perfect way to celebrate a 21st birthday - scoring a maiden goal for your boyhood club at home against Rangers.

There was just one problem - it wasn’t Ross Graham’s birthday. An online error led to the mix-up with TV commentators and even then Dundee United boss Tam Courts convinced Graham had marked his special day in the best fashion possible. However, the big defender only found out about the mistake when he started receiving birthday messages after the game in 2022 that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Two years on, Graham is determined to go one better today and finally be able to celebrate in style when Rangers come calling once more at Tannadice. The United Academy graduate said: “It is a while ago now but it was a brilliant moment scoring my first senior goal. It was actually three days before my 21st birthday - I don’t know how they got it wrong. I got loads of messages after the game saying, ‘Happy Birthday!’.

“I just replied saying it is not my birthday yet but thanks anyway! I think my birthday was on the Wednesday so it was just a quiet celebration. We didn’t even celebrate the night after my goal because I think we were in the next day. I was really proud scoring but that game was a draw so hopefully I can go one better on Sunday. We always look forward to playing in the big games against the big teams so everybody is buzzing for it.”

United returned to the Premiership at the first time of asking after winning the Championship title last season. They have taken the step up to the top flight in their stride and are unbeaten in their four league games with two wins and two draws while Graham and the rest of the Terrors defence have kept three clean sheets in a row.

And the centre-half admits he is