Jack Hamilton is happy to slog rather than sunbathe when Dundee head to Portugal for their pre-season training camp.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper, a new arrival from Hearts, will fly off with the Dark Blues to the Algarve later this week for a summer camp that will include two matches – a training game against English side Mansfield Town on Saturday and a friendly against local club SC Farense in Albufeira a week tomorrow.
Before that, the Dens men travel a little closer to home to play Cowdenbeath at Central Park tonight, their second pre-season game following the 1-1 draw against Brechin City at Glebe Park last Friday.
Hamilton played the second half in Angus and will be looking for more match time this evening against the Blue Brazil.
However, he is also happy to look ahead to the trip abroad that will help him really get to know his new clubmates.
Hamilton, who will compete for the gloves with Elliot Parish when the competitive action gets under way, said: “Since we have come back we have been right at it and the training has been really difficult.
“It has actually been of a fantastic standard.
“No one can say the lads haven’t been working hard and, of course, that will definitely be the case in Portugal.
“There is a lot of benefit to be had by going abroad especially if, like myself, you are new to the team.
“You are with your new teammates 24/7 and you can really bond on a trip like this.
“It will be good for everybody.
“What is also important for me is getting a feel for how the manager wants the team to play.
“Pre-season is about getting yourself ready fitness-wise, enjoying some game time and then kicking on when the campaign starts.
“I have come here and I am desperate to play.
“I am at a fantastic club with a great fanbase.
“I want to be a part of that and do everything I can to help make it a successful season.”
Dundee travelled to play Cowden around this time last season on Betfred Cup duty, when a first-half hat-trick from Sofien Moussa gave them a comfortable 3-0 victory.
