My last clash with Carter-Vickers and Celtic forced me into the gym – I am seeing benefits admits Dundee United star
Dundee United star Kristijan Trapanovski admitted his last visit to Celtic Parkhead and duel with Cameron Carter-Vickers forced him into the gym.
The North Macedonia international started in the 2-0 defeat back in January. He was too easily pushed aside by CCV and then the penny dropped and he realised he would need to bulk up if he wanted to make his mark in Scottish football. Trapanovski has been doing a lot of work, away from the training pitch and hopes it will show and this time he can be the one causing the big American and the Celtic defence problems.
The winger recalled: “In the last game against Celtic, I had a duel with Cameron Carter-Vickers and he pushed me off the ball. It was a 50-50 race and I got past him but he just put his hands on me and got me out of the way. After the game, I came away from it saying ‘Trapa', you need to hit the gym!’.
“I realised I needed to bulk up a bit so I have been doing extra gym sessions over the last month. I have been doing a lot of power exercises, not a lot of weight stuff, but more to do with power and speed. I have been doing a lot of squats, jumps and exercises for my hamstrings.”
The 25-year-old is seeing the benefits of the work first hand. Trapanovksi admitted: “The gym work has been beneficial and I feel like I have put some weight on and feel good. My tests have improved, I am doing better on the results of them now.
“I did 9.7 metres per second the other day, which is 34.9km per hour. My top speed has been 35.7kmh in the game against Rangers and I think I am getting up to 98% now where it was only 93% before so it’s working.”
The former Shkupi player reckons his ability has never been in question and if he can add more physicality it can take his game to another level. The Dundee United star admitted: “When you play against the top players, it shows you what the levels are you need to get to.
“Those guys are the full package and that’s how they have got to the big clubs. I don’t want it to sound arrogant but I know I have the talent that other players don’t have.
“But in the physical part, I have been missing some of that. That is what I need to improve on but that’s why I’m here because I want to improve and get better.”
Trapanovksi has told Jim Goodwin that he has his confidence back and ready to produce like he did at the start of the season, now his hamstring injuries are behind him. He aims to help keep United in third spot and to fire them to European football. The Tannadice outfit is looking to get back on track after three recent defeats, in all competitions.
He explained: “The season has been a lot of ups and downs so I just want to improve in the games we have left, then next season I know I have to be top. I spoke with the gaffer and I think I am in very good shape, I think what you could call the ‘old Trapa’ is back.
“I am looking forward to the next fourteen games and I want to keep improving.” United are without Craig Sibbald but apart from that have a full squad.
