McGovern: I Xavin't a clue who'll star for Barcelona

Jul 6 2008

DUNDEE UNITED keeper Michael McGovern admits part of the excitement of facing Barcelona is that he has no idea which superstars will turn up at Tannadice.

The Catalan giants will travel to Scotland at the end of this month for another meeting with United and a clash against Hibs in Edinburgh.

It is likely to be a much-changed Barca side that arrives at their St Andrews training base with the likes of Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto'o all jettisoned from new manager Pep Guardiola's squad.

However the Catalan club are in the process of assembling a new batch of superstars with Brazilian Daniel Alves the most recent recruit in a s25million transfer from Seville.

Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin and Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor are among the big names set to follow the right-back's lead and sign up for a big-money summer switch to the Nou Camp.

And with the cream of the Spanish side that triumphed at Euro 2008 - in the shape of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol - still forming the core of the Barca team there will be plenty of talent for fans at Tannadice to feast their eyes on.

Former Celtic reserve keeper McGovern, who sat on the bench when the Hoops drew 0-0 in Barcelona in 2004, has always dreamed of lining up against the world's best players and nowhopes it's going to become a reality on July 26.

He said: "To play against a team like Barcelona would be a dream come true and I would think everyone when they were growing up imagined themselves running out on to the same pitch as players of that standard.

"Along with Manchester United and Real Madrid they are one of the top three clubs in the world and every single player they have is a household name.

"They've lost a few high-profile stars recently but they're likely to bring more in over the next few weeks so it's quite exciting because we don't know who might show up.

"It will be a glamorous occasion and one everyone here will do their best to enjoy but it has a serious element too because we're building to do well in the league next season.

"I believe playing against Barcelona last year gave the lads' confidence a boost and hopefully it will be the same again this time.

"If you can perform well against world-class and internationally-renowned players then it will definitely give you more confidence in your own ability.

"I watched the game on TV last year and it looked like a great atmosphere so I'm really looking forward to it."

McGovern reported to Tannadice to meet his new team-mates for the first time on Friday.

The Northern Ireland international had failed to make the breakthrough at Celtic and now hopes to get a crack at the No.1 jersey at United after signing a one-year deal.

But first the 23-year-old has to endure the start of United's infamous pre-season tomorrow.

Manager Craig Levein has a reputation for training his players hard but despite facing the prospect of a few weeks from hell McGovern insists the long-term gain is worth any amount of pain. He said: "I've heard the manager's pre-seasons are the hardest you'll get anywhere.

"But it obviously works because the team started the season brilliantly last year and were in great shape right throughout the campaign.

"You can't be scared of a bit of hard work because you get the rewards at the end of it. It's going to be tough but the prospect of games coming up in a few weeks keeps you going.

"The lads were great when we met up on Friday and I got a really good feel about the place.

"You can tell when a club is on the up because of the atmosphere and that's definitely the impression I got at Tannadice."

United pulled off a signing coup last week when they brought Willo Flood back on loan from Cardiff and McGovern believes there is real strength in depth at his new club.

He said: "Managing to get Willo back is a great bit of business for the club as he was one of the best players last season.

"The gaffer has added a few players and not many people left so the squad is looking really strong and I believe he's still looking to get more players in.

"After what the team did last season the aim has got to be to finish higher this time and it would be great if we could get into Europe.

McGovern received his first senior international call-up in March and hopes that moving to Tannadice in search of a regular game will help him establish himself in Nigel Worthington's team.

He said: "I know it's going to be tough here because Zaluska Lukasz did a great job last season but I came to United to push him all the way for the jersey.

"I don't want to look too far ahead but if I can get into the team then I might have a chance of getting into the Northern Ireland squad again.

"That's one of the reasons I came here but I won't get too far ahead of myself and am only concentrating on doing well in pre-season for now."