“Maybe I’mnot cut out to be in the UK”

How would you describe yourself as a footballer?

I’m hardworking and I like to be creative. I put the team ahead of myself. I’m not a selfish player. I’d much rather the team does well than me individually, but if that means I can chip in with a few goals and assists then even better.

You were compared to Lionel Messi when you first burst onto the scene. How did that feel?

In the beginning, it was okay. It was quite laughable. It’s something you take as a positive when you’re 16, 17 years old. I was living with a few of my pals at the time, at Dundee United, so we had a good enough joke about it. But as it’s followed me through my career, it’s become less amusing.

You were part of a really promising group of young players at Dundee United. What was that like?

It was brilliant. When you look back on the squad now, it’s crazy to see what some of the boys have gone on to achieve. The obvious one is Andy Robertson at Liverpool,