Dundee goalkeeper Scott Bain admits he cannot afford to let his standards drop with Kyle Letheren itching to take his place between the sticks.
Bain, who joined the Dark Blues during the summer from Alloa, knew when he came to Dens that he would have a tough job establishing himself as the club’s No.1.
Letheren had been one of the Dundee stalwarts throughout the Championship-winning season, and made himself a hero with the club’s supporters thanks to a vital save during the victory on the last day of the season against Dumbarton that finally secured promotion.
However, when the big Welshman injured his knee during the warm-up before a game at Motherwell back in October, Bain was given his chance and he has seized it with both hands.
Letheren needed an operation to fix the injury and he has battled his way back to full fitness.
However, the first-choice goalie jersey still belongs to Bain who has been in superb form for Paul Hartley’s side, pulling off a string of sensational saves in games and establishing himself as a commanding presence on the park.
Despite that he admitted he is taking nothing for granted and has to maintain those high standards as he knows Letheren is waiting in the wings.
Bain said: “Yes, of course. Kyle probably felt the same when he was playing.
“It made him play better and it is making me do the same.
“Obviously, I don’t want to let myself or the team down. I am just very happy right now.
“I am delighted to be back full-time and playing every week.
“It is a real bonus and I think I have played 18 games now.
“I feel I have exceeded my own expectations, to be honest with how I have taken to this level.
“I am very comfortable now and feel I am more than holding my own in this league.”
Bain and Letheren are put through their paces on the training ground by coach Bobby Geddes.
And Bain admitted his mentor has played an important part in his development.
He said: “He has been a huge help to me.
“We do a lot of work on the training field and watch footage from games to see what we can improve on and do well.
“He has been great to me since I came to the club.”
Meanwhile, Dundee’s game with Celtic, originally scheduled for the weekend of the League Cup final, has been rearranged for Wednesday, March 18, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
To coincide with this development, Dundee have announced details of a special ticket deal which will see supporters able to purchase cut-price briefs for the Aberdeen game at Dens on March 23 when bought along with a ticket for the Celtic match.
Fans buying a Celtic ticket for £25 will be able to get an Aberdeen one for £15.
A concession for Celtic is £15 and if supporters buy an Aberdeen ticket at the same time, they will get that for £5.
The offer is available until the March 18.