Dundee’s new striker Craig Beattie insists he is fighting fit and ready to help fire the Dark Blues back into Scotland’s top flight.
The 29-year-old put pen to paper on a one-year deal at Dens Park yesterday and immediately set his sights on proving his critics wrong over the coming weeks and months.
The former Scotland forward has faced question marks about his fitness after a short-lived spell with St Johnstone last season, but Beattie revealed he has turned back to the boxing ring in recent months to ensure his readiness for what lies ahead on the football field.
“It’s been a frustrating summer but I can’t wait to get going,” Beattie told Courier Sport.
“When I moved to Swansea, I moved next door to former world champion Enzo Maccarinelli and I was in his gym four or five nights a week, even as much as coaching with the kids and just keeping fit.
“It’s a passion of mine but obviously it’s been sensible within reason and revolves around football. I’ve used it over the summer to keep fit and get strong, as well as my running.”
“I played in a game a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been training with a group of lads I was working hard on my own but the manager here was aware of my situation so he had me watched a couple of times.
“As soon as he saw I was fit and ready, he’s put his faith in me. I just want to play games and score goals, and the manager has been so positive.”
Beattie will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s visit of table-topping Hamilton, although it remains to be seen whether he will lead the line.