Dundee’s Martin Boyle is determined to hit the ground running as the Dark Blues return for the start of pre-season.
The striker was signed from Montrose in August last year, but he found his chances limited in the Dundee first team and he agreed to go back to the Gable Endies on loan until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old revelled at getting the chance of regular football again and rattled in nine goals during his short spell with the Third Division side, including four in one game against Annan.
Now back at Dens, he has been told by Dark Blues boss John Brown he has to be ready to make this his breakthrough season as Dundee look to bounce straight back up to the SPL.
He said: “It was brilliant being back at Montrose scoring goals and getting my confidence up. It had been hard breaking into the Dundee team as there were a lot of quality players in front of me.
“I was only coming on in games for the last 10 minutes or so, and it was half my choice really to go back to Montrose. I just wanted to get regular football as I don’t think sitting on the bench at this stage of my career is much use.
“So going out on loan was probably the best choice and hopefully it will have helped me in the long run.”
He added: “Overall, I feel I have been progressing well. Being full-time has definitely helped. I have been bulking up and getting stronger. My pace has been improving as well.
“The experienced lads in the dressing-room also give me a lot of help and advice. I am now just looking forward to the new season and can’t wait to get back on Monday.
“I am looking to get a good pre-season under my belt and show the manager what I can do. I think the squad showed towards the end of last season with their performances that everyone was coming together and were strong.
“So if we can keep most of those players, I don’t see why we can’t bounce straight back up.”