The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Gloves off in battle for Dens keeper’s berth
David Mitchell insists he is ready to scrap it out with Scott Bain for the Dundee goalkeeper’s jersey.
New boy Mitchell arrived at Dens Park over the summer from Stranraer, where he was their regular first-pick before Paul Hartley swooped.
Now the 25-year-old has no intention of settling for second best as he makes the step up to the top-flight, and is driven to push Scotland squad keeper Bain all the way in the new season.
Mitchell, who hopes to get another run-out in tonight’s friendly at Raith Rovers, said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge this season.
“It’s a dream to be in the Premiership for me. I’m delighted to get the opportunity.
“Now, I just can’t wait for the real football to get started, even though we are only at the beginning of pre-season.
“I need to get my head down and work hard here. It will not be easy getting the chance to play.
“Make no mistake about it though, I want to play games. I’m not just here to make up the numbers.
“At Stranraer I played a lot of matches. That’s just what I am used to.
“I’m not the type of player who is going to be happy just sitting on a bench and training all week without the chance of a match at the end of it.
“My aim was to be full-time and be playing at the same time.”
Meanwhile, Dundee boss Hartley hopes their week-long training camp in Budapest can pay dividends like last year when they clinched a top six place.
Hartley said: “Hopefully bringing them all away will help us be ready for the first game of the season.
“The squad have been different class.
“The fitness levels have been terrific. I couldn’t be more pleased with how the lads applied themselves in the camp.
“The players are looking super fit. Everything we have asked of them they have done.”