Max wants to make a big noise

MAX ANDERSON prefers to let his football do the talking, and hopes to make a big statement on the pitch today as Dundee open their Championship campaign against Partick Thistle at Dens Park. The 21-year-old is one of the midfield talents on whom new manager Gary Bowyer will be relying to get the Dark Blues back to the top flight at the first attempt following last season’s relegation. But the youngster has been urged to come out of his shell more by the likes of Charlie Adam, Mark McGhee and now Bowyer himself — and Anderson admits it’s an aspect of his game that he is working on ahead of today’s big kick-off. The Scotland Under-21 cap confessed: ‘It’s something I have to work on. I am not the loudest character in the changing room but as long as you step over the line and give your all, push people on and you are that character on the pitch, then there shouldn’t be anything wrong with that. ‘Charlie was really helpful. He wasn’t one of those who would push you aside — he did try to push me to come out of my shell. I do realise that I am 21 now, I have played two seasons and need to step up — that’s what I’m trying to do.’ Dundee are firm favourites with the bookies to come back up and are determined to make the perfect start against Thistle but Anderson is wary of the threat they possess, especially after Ian McCall snapped up striker Danny Mullen — the Dark Blues’ top scorer last season. ‘I really liked playing with Danny. He is a good player and a great character,’ said Anderson. ‘He puts himself about and he will be a presence but we just need to work on what we can do.’