Fraser is hoping to be next in line to join the Tannadice alumni
Tannadice has a long history of being a breeding ground for big-time players.
From Andy Gray in the mid-1970s, Richard Gough in the ’80s, Duncan Ferguson some 10 years after that to Stuart Armstrong and Andy Robertson in more recent times, Dundee United have proved a good starting point for a great career.
If he continues his progression in the game, Scott Fraser could have a similar CV.
His sparkling performances for Burton Albion have the English Championship’s big guns on his trail.
But the player won’t let himself get blown away by thoughts of what might happen, long-term.
The 24-year-old shone in his first season in English football after leaving Dundee United last summer.
His glittering showings in League One attracted admiring glances from Championship clubs, most notably Hull City.
But Fraser is happy to wait for his opportunity to step up because he believes it will definitely come if he keeps firing for Nigel Clough’s side.
“The interest is one of the reasons I chose to sign for Burton Albion,” said Fraser. “It has been like the gaffer told me it would be.
“Because of where we’re based, we get scouts at games and, with the football we play, there are opportunities to get noticed.
“In my opinion, I think we’re the best footballing side in League One, and lots of managers last season told the gaffer that.
“Once the gaffer had outlined how he saw things last summer, I thought coming here would benefit me, and I feel it has.
“There were other clubs sniffing about in pre-season, but I spoke with the manager every day, and it was never a case of me pushing to get out the door.
“It was just: ‘If a deal can be agreed with a Championship club, I’d like to look at it’.
“But I don’t think anybody could meet what the club were looking for, which is fine, because I’m enjoying playing here and I feel I’ll continue to improve under the manager.”
Clough’s approach to management is tough, but fair, and it’s a combination Fraser credits with making him fitter than he has ever been.
The result is a belief that he is ready to progress up the English football pyramid.
“I’d 100% back myself to step up to the Championship,” Fraser said.
“The last year went really well, and with the Carabao Cup run we had last season, it gave me even more belief that I could play at a higher level again.
“We played Nottingham Forest on Sky when I got the goals and the Man-of-the-Match award. And I got Man of the Match against Aston Villa when we put them out.
“It’s wee things like that which make you think: ‘I can make the step up’.
“Then there are older players at our club, who have played at that level, who have told me I could play there. The gaffer has told me the same.”
Fraser, who scored a hat-trick in the last round of the Carabao Cup at Oxford United, will get a chance to put his feelings to the test when Burton face Premier League Bournemouth in the next round later this month.
It’s a challenge he and his teammates are relishing.
“You look for a chance to play against the bigger teams. That’s another reason I came down,” he said.
“All you need is one good draw and you’re playing against one of the big boys.
“We think this one’s a winnable tie, especially at our place. That’s huge.
“And for all of us, it’s a great marker and a great opportunity to put ourselves in the spotlight by getting the club through to the next round.”