Dark Blues midfielder enjoys chance to learn

Lewis Spence admits he has taken time to adjust to the big step-up he has made with Dundee in the Premiership.

The 21-year-old midfielder was a surprise summer signing by Dens boss Neil McCann.

After being released by Championship outfit Dunfermline, Spence had planned to go parttime with Brechin City.

However, McCann who knew him from a spell coaching with the Pars, phoned him out of the blue and asked him to sign for Dundee.

Spence did not need to be asked twice and he feels he is getting fitter and stronger thanks to topflight training.

He said: “How can I not be enjoying myself?

“I’m at a Premiership club playing full-time football, what’s not to like?

“I love what I am doing and the boys have been great since I’ve come in.

“The training’s great too, although it is a step-up for me.

“I’ve been full-time before but in the top flight there’s a lot more stuff that goes along with that.

“I’m still young and learning from guys like Darren O’Dea, who’s played in the Champions League with Celtic, and Paul McGowan, who’s had a good career, so I am loving that.

“I am feeling fitter, stronger and sharper.

“I’m just hoping that I can get into that first team and show what I can do by getting a few games under my belt this season.”

Spence has had to be patient for his chance with just one appearance for the first team so far in the 2-0 win over Buckie Thistle in the Betfred Cup.

And he admitted he is just desperate to show what he is capable of.

He added: “I have been a wee bit disappointed I’ve not played in a few weeks.

“We have a strong team with a lot of good players so it’s competitive.

“I will just have to keep my head down in training and in under-20s games to show the gaffer I’m capable of playing in the first team.

“I believe I am but it’s down to the gaffer and when he thinks I’m ready, I’ll come in.”

Lewis Spence: one first team appearance so far this season.