Competitive football is the name of the game for Dundee new boy Sean Mackie as he prepares to face Elgin City.
The Dark Blues take on League Two side in the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup at Dens tomorrow and Mackie, signed on loan from Hibs on transfer deadline day, is likely to start.
The left-back is keen to kick off what he hopes will be a decent run of matches.
He said: “I only found out about the move on Monday at about 3pm when Hibs told me Dundee were interested.
“I only signed a new contract at Easter Road at the end of last season.
“The gaffer (Paul Heckingbottom) phoned me, told me that he thinks this would be good for me and he expects me to come back a better player.
“I agree with that because I want to be involved on a Saturday or whenever there are games.
“That is what the move is all about.
“It is about becoming a better player and helping Dundee out at the same time.
“I have played about a dozen times for Hibs so far and think I have done well when I have been asked.
“However, I need game time. You need to play competitive football in order to learn.
“Coming here I will be playing in matches which matter every week, where there are points up for grabs or places in the next round of the cup.
“So that will be good for me because with Hibs coming out of the reserve league they’re just playing friendlies now.
“Hopefully, this works out for me and I can help Dundee while I’m here then go back to Easter Road more likely to play there.”
Mackie revealed he had spoken to ex-Hibs man Jordon Forster about his move, with the central defender now a Dundee teammate of his.
He said: “I don’t know the manager here but I have heard good things about him because I spoke to Jordon after I signed.
“He said it would be a good move for me.
“I am looking forward to getting started now and it’s good to get a game so quickly.
“I have enjoyed training so far.
“The lads have been good to me since I came in and they have made me feel very welcome.”
Mackie certainly feels he can hit the ground running against the men from Borough Briggs.
He added: “With this game against Elgin, hopefully I will get the chance to play and show everyone what I can do.
“I am ready to go straight in.
“I didn’t play in the last round with Hibs because it was the colts team.
“I was too old for that so it has worked in my favour because I can play this weekend.”
