Dundee striker Benji Kallman will welcome the extra “healthy competition” that the second half of the season is sure to bring.
The Finland frontman is midway through his loan deal from Inter Turku and the task of becoming a Dens Park first team regular is unlikely to get any easier once manager Jim McIntyre has completed his January transfer business.
Craig Curran has already been signed and there may be other rivals for a starting place still to come.
Kallman, though, will attempt to rise to the challenge.
“I don’t know anything about any new players coming in but I wouldn’t mind it too much,” said the 20-year-old.
“Obviously, we need something. The league table says it all.
“We’re bottom the league so whatever the manager decides to do is his call.
“Hopefully it works out but healthy competition is always good.”
Reflecting on the first half of the season, Kallman said: “Things haven’t gone as well for the team or myself as I hoped.
“That’s football. The only thing I can do is focus on my own performances and try to do my best for the team.
“I can look at my goals and say, ‘I should have done better’ but there is nothing I can do at this point anymore.
“I just need to keep working the way I have been and the goals will come when they come. I’m putting in a lot of hard work for the team on the pitch and I hope people can see that as well.”
One goal in 17 appearances is certainly short of the total he would have wanted to hit at this stage in the season.
“I do think the second half of the season will be better,” Kallman added.
“It’s the first time I’ve been away from home, the team is struggling and being a young guy trying to settle in a new country and a new team is difficult.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot while I’ve been here.
“The football is very different. It’s more physical and you need to run more. It’s end to end all the time.
“I don’t mind that. I enjoy it very much.”
