Hampden dream adds drive to Russell’s Dundee Utd reunion

Johnny Russell admits he had given no thought to leaving his life in America until former club Dundee United came calling, explaining it was “maybe the only place that would have brought me back”.

After eight years playing in the MLS with Sporting Kansas City and latterly Real Salt Lake, the 35-year-old striker, capped 14 times for Scotland, has returned to Tannadice on a deal until the end of the season.

“To be honest I had no interest in coming back, no intentions to come back, I was happy out there,” said Russell.

“My life was there but there was just something about coming back here just felt right. I feel like this is maybe the only place that would have brought me back and we will see what happens if it goes well.”

Russell began his career at United, making his debut in 2007, going on to score 46 goals in 120 games before a move to Derby County.

He made a late cameo in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over St Mirren, having last played in October.

“I wouldn’t have come back if I didn’t feel I have something to offer or if I felt my legs were going,” added Russell.

“I don’t want to come back and sour the reptation that I have had. I know people will be going ‘look at the age of him, he is just here to chill out’, I am not about that.

“Maybe you don’t quite have certain aspects of your game that you had before but I feel like I am a more all-round player.

“When I was here the first time I probably relied on speed, whereas I feel like I have fully adapted my game. I still feel like I am quick, I feel powerful, I don’t feel like my legs are going and I feel like I am a more mature and intelligent player.

“I don’t really feel like I have got a point to prove but you still want to show people you can still cut it with the younger guys. I have still got the same desire and fire.”