Warren Feeney: I'll use past experiences to topple Catalan stars

Jul 13 2008

WARREN FEENEY reckons he can stun Barcelona's Spanish superstars a second time - after watching in aweas Northern Ireland pal David Healy ripped them apart.

The striker joined Dundee United on loan last week and can't wait to line up against the Catalans at Tannadice on July 26.

Feeney, who has already faced several Barca players for his country, was part of the Northern Ireland team Healy inspired to a historic 3-2 win over future European champions Spain in 2006.

The Fulhamstriker's hat-trick shocked Carles Puyol and Co and underlined his reputation as one of the international scene's deadliest hitmen as he blasted a record 13 goals in Euro 2008 qualifying.

Feeney just wishes his mate could line up at Tannadice a week on Saturday and help scare the living daylights out of Pep Guardiola's men.

He joked: "Maybe I should ask Healy if he fancies coming up for a game because I'm sure the Barca players would take one look at him and not fancy it.

"What David has done at international level for us is phenomenal and he deserves all the credit he has received.

"It was amazing to see Michel Platini come to the final qualifier and hand him an award for his scoring exploits - David is a class act.

"When I heard about the chance to come here I looked at the games and saw Barcelona were coming back. It will be great to be involved because you always want to test yourself against the best.

"I've played against a few Barca stars at international level and was in the team when Northern Ireland beat Spain so I've seen their quality close up.

"Getting a result would be brilliant for confidence but the main thing is we get a work-out so we're all ready for Hamilton on the first day."

Feeney has joined the growing Irish colony at Tannadice and even though he's from the north while the likes of Willo Flood, Jon Daly and Sean Dillon hail from the Republic, the 27-year-old insists the influx of players to Britain shows football is thriving back home.

United travel to Dublin for their pre-season tour this morning and Feeney can't wait to get involved with his new side in tomorrow's friendly against UCD.

He said: "The game in Ireland is on the up and it's mainly to do with going full-time.

"The league is thriving in the north and south with the Setanta Cup really making an impact. The likes of Linfield now have full-time players and that makes signing guys from those leagues more attractive for Scottish and English clubs because they can see if they're able to cope with being pro.

"There are good players in Ireland and Craig Levein has tapped into that.

"We'll get an excellent work-out when we're over there. It has been good for me because I already knew a few of the United boys and I've settled in quickly."

Feeney has travelled a lot, starting out at Linfield before moving to the UK with Leeds, Bournemouth, Stockport, Luton and Cardiff.

The 24-cap striker endured relegation and Stockport and Luton then struggled to break into the Cardiff first team.

But Warren believes he can relaunch his career at Tannadice.

With the signings of Andis Shala, Michael McGovern, Scott Robertson, Paul Dixon and Francesco Sandaza - who arrived from Valencia on Friday - the Arabs have strengthened and Feeney is convinced a good season lies ahead.

He said: "I started at Bournemouth under Peter Grant and got on really well with him. Then I moved to Stockport and scored goals but we still finished bottom of the league.

"Ironically I got a move to the team who won the league, Luton, so ended up in the Championship.

"That was my first taste of that level but they got relegated as well and I joined Cardiff who signed stars like Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink so it was tough to get a game.

"Swansea took me on loan and I loved it there but got injured and the end of the season was just a nightmare.

"So I'm raring to go because I want a fresh start to getmy career back on track.

"I've had a good feel about the place, there's a buzz around Tannadice and that's a good sign for the season."