Algarve trip has proved beneficial for new striker

Dundee new recruit Jean Mendy can see the bigger picture when it comes to pre-season work.

The Senegalese striker, who joined the Dark Blues on a two-year deal last month, caught the eye with a busy performance in the 4-0 loss to Portimonense in the Portuguese holiday town of Albufeira on Sunday.

Along with the rest of Neil McCann’s squad, Mendy eventually felt the heat as the Dens men visibly tired.

They go again this evening against another local team, Farense, but for Mendy it is all about being ready for the competitive action, starting with Saturday’s Betfred Cup group game away to Stirling Albion.

Mendy, who has now found the net in Dundee’s friendly with Brechin and in a training match against Sunderland over here, said: “Coming over to Portugal has been very good for us.

“We have a lot of new players, including me of course, so it is good to have a training camp like this.

“It has been fun and we have enjoyed being all together.

“It has been hot and we have been getting a little bit tired but that will help in the long run.”

Mendy, who has played the majority of his career in Norway, with nine goals last season for Kristiansund, added: “I know we lost the game the other day and it was not funny but it is about preparing for the season.

“That is what I am trying to do – get ready for the first competitive match. I got a goal against Brechin City and then scored against Sunderland at the training ground.

“I have been scoring goals and I like that. I will do my best to help the team. What the fans can expect from me is someone who will do his best every time he is on the pitch.

“I will give 100% every time.”