BLANK AND YOU MISS IT; Goodwillie was in a daze after his Parkhead glory goal.

Byline: Euan McArthur

DUNDEE UTD v M'WELL

Today, Tannadice, 3pm

DAVID GOODWILLIE has relived the moment he blanked out entirely after stunning Celtic at Parkhead last weekend.

But the Dundee United striker insists he will have all his senses back in time for Motherwell's visit to Tannadice today.

The Scotland Under-21 star has been in top form for Craig Levein's side, scoring three goals in as many games to propel them to third in the SPL table.

Goodwillie netted the opener at Celtic Park but was so overwhelmed he couldn't think what to do afterwards. His first memory is of being swamped by his jubilant team-mates.

The 20-year-old will lead the line along with Danny Cadamarteri today as United aim to end Motherwell's unbeaten run and cement their place at the top end of the table.

Goodwillie said: "It was amazing to score at Parkhead last weekend because that's the kind of thing I've dreamed about since I was a wee boy.

Massive

"It was some feeling but I have to admit that once the ball hit the net I totally blanked out. I had no idea what to do to celebrate and the first thing I remember is some of the lads jumping on me.

"I'd often thought about what it would be like to score in a massive stadium like that but I'd never planned a celebration. I suppose it was just as well because I wouldn't have been able to do it!

"But I'm happy with the way I've started the season so I just hope it continues."

With strikers Jon Daly and Francisco Sandaza injured, Levein has been limited with his options up front. But despite their striking shortage the United boss always felt Goodwillie was set for a sizzling season after seeing him end the last campaign on a high.

Goodwillie now finally feels he has grown up enough to make a sustained impact and revealed reading praise from his manager over the summer made him believe even more in himself.

He said: "I feel I've definitely improved over the last couple of months and I think that's all down to confidence.

"The gaffer did an article in the papers over the summer saying how he felt this would be my year.

"I read it and it made me feel great so when I came back into pre-season I was really determined to show him what I can do to repay that faith.

"I know it sounds weird but after hearing the manager talk me up I was actually desperate to get back off my holiday and into the work again.

"I suppose that also shows how I'maturing. I'm 20 now and as I've got older I've realised I can't be a silly wee laddie forever.

"I got too much too soon here. I didn't realise that at the time but with hindsight it wasn't good for me."

Goodwillie's rise has also been in part down to Danny Cadamarteri, the former Everton wonderkid, who signed for United in the close season.

The ex-Goodison ace has helped the youngster with several aspects of his game and has been a real source of inspiration.

Goodwillie said: "Danny has been brilliant with me. He's given me loads of encouragement on the pitch and even in training he's also passing on his experience.

"He's been there, done it and I think he's trying to make sure I do the things he should have done when he was my age.

"He's also helped me with my positioning on the park and I watch him in training and try to do the things he's good at.

"He's been a great signing for the club and also a great influence on me."

Familiar

The striker also praised Motherwell for their start to the campaign and believes today's clash will showcase some of Scotland's brightest young talents.

He said: "Motherwell are doing really well this season, probably better than most people expected.

"A whole load of their players were in the Under-19s last season but they've managed the step up.

"They are unbeaten and come into it off a great result against Rangers. But we did well against Celtic last weekend so we're confident as well."

United boss Levein is familiar with Well boss Jim Gannon from his time at Stockport and believes the Fir Park board made an inspired appointment when they replaced Mark McGhee.

He said: "I watched quite a few of Stockport's games when Jim was in charge and they were very like what he's got going at Motherwell.

"He had a very young team there but they liked to get the ball down and pass it around well.

"Considering what he walked into, a team with hardly any players and then European games straight away, I think he's done a fantastic job."

William HILL

BETBOX

DAVID GOODWILLIE has netted in Dundee United's last three games. He is 6-4 to net at any time against Motherwell.

Mr Fixit

CAPTION(S):

UNITED WE STAND: Danny Swanson and Prince Buaben celebrate with David Goodwillie at Parkhead