Ross Graham never doubted his ability to convert Dundee United’s nerve-shredding spot-kick against Kilmarnock – even if he knew the sight of him stepping up would stun supporters. With recognised penalty takers such as Louis Moult and Sam Dalby no longer on the field, the Tangerines’ academy graduate insists he wanted to “take responsibility” for the situation as the clock hit 99 minutes at Rugby Park. Graham had never previously taken a penalty in a senior match.
Indeed, his recent strike against Hearts – the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Tynecastle – was the first time he had ever scored with his feet. However, the hours of practice in training made perfect as the big defender sent Kieran O’Hara the wrong way to level the score at 3-3. He said: “It was my first senior penalty – I’m not sure many would have expected me to step up! “But I fancied myself and took control of the situation.
I’ve hit a few pens in training before, and I’ll always back myself. I felt confident and, with our usual penalty takers not on the pitch, I thought: “I think all the lads believed in me. They’ve probably watched me in training, and I know I’m a good striker of the ball.
I asked the gaffer, and he had no worries – he was like, “go and take it!” “There wasn’t a lot of experience in this league still on the pitch for us, Asked whether he’ll step up for future spot-kicks, Graham added: “I think so. I’ll keep putting my name forward until I miss o.
