Ross Graham is adamant he still has plenty to prove after joining Dunfermline Athletic on loan from Dundee United.
The promising defender has played every minute for the Pars since his switch from Tannadice, immediately earning the trust of boss Peter Grant as the left-sided centre-back in their 3-4-3.
He has enjoyed the highs of an impressive Premier Sports Cup group phase and endured the lows of 3-0 and 5-0 defeats against Partick Thistle and Rangers, even scoring an unfortunate own goal against the Jags.
However, Graham insists those challenges are par for the course after making the decision to test himself in the Championship — and is determined to keep improving.
“I have loved every minute of my time here,” said Graham. “The training; the boys; the games — it has been really enjoyable and I am settling in well.
“I think I have applied myself well and playing in every game just shows that the gaffer trusts me.
“I was up for the challenge when I first came here and nothing has changed.
“After getting into the team, I have done alright but there is still a long way to go. I have a point to prove and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.
“You should have a point to prove in every game.
“You have to turn up with the right attitude and mentality in every game you play — that mindset of getting three points.”
Tangerine dream
Graham’s positivity is echoed by Dundee United head of player pathway and loans, Brian Grant, as Tannadice chiefs keep an eye on the youngster’s progress within an unforgiving proving ground.
“Brian Grant oversees all the loan players so I’m in regular contact with him,” explained Graham. “He is always on the phone asking about us and how our games went.
“He will get to games and if he can’t get to games, then he will sit back, watch the footage and then feed back to me from that. You have that support there. It has all been positive so far.”
Stark’s dark
There was a cruel irony for those of a Dunfermline persuasion that the Pars produced arguably their brightest 15 minutes in several weeks before the lights went out against Raith Rovers on Friday.
That disappointment has only served to make Graham more determined to shine against Arbroath on Saturday.
“After the last couple of weeks we felt that we had a point to prove on Friday,” he added. “I felt that we hit the ground running from minute one. We were the far better side.
“Then it turned into quite a strange experience. Nobody knew what was happening until the officials came out and told us.
“So, the boys are buzzing for Saturday after missing the league game on Friday.”
