Jamie Robson would rather be in the Dundee United team under different circumstances but he is determined to make the most of his chance.
The 18-year-old has been drafted in to cover for first choice left-back Paul Dixon, who is out for up to six weeks after having surgery on his knee.
It is never nice to benefit from a fellow professional’s injury woes, especially someone who has been so helpful to you.
However, Robson can’t do anything to help Dixon other than do his best for Ray McKinnon’s team.
He will be up against it this evening when Premiership side Partick Thistle visit Tannadice in the Betfred Cup but encouraging displays so far this season against Dunfermline and Queen of the South should stand him in good stead.
Robson, who had a successful loan spell at Brechin City last season, said: “With Dicker being out it’s a good thing for me but not good for him. It’s a real shame.
“Dicker has been great with me and helps me out all the time.
“If I do something wrong in a game he is the first one to tell me to do this or do that instead.
“It is constructive criticism and he is keen to help me.
“However, this is my chance and hopefully every time I play I can build on my previous performances.
“I want to continue to impress the manager.
“The gaffer has given me confidence to go out there and make runs and play passes.
“If I make a mistake then it’s not on my shoulders so I feel relaxed about things.
“In fact, the whole club is a lot different now – a lot happier place.
“Last season with relegation things weren’t going well for anyone.
“It has settled down now, with the new manager and players coming in.
“The atmosphere is really good and everyone is – I wouldn’t say chilled out – looking forward to training and the games.”
United started their Championship campaign in lacklustre fashion against Queens at the weekend but things picked up in the second half and they could have won in the end rather than draw 1-1.
Robson said: “It was a hard game, especially in the first half, but in the second we were much stronger.
“We were told what to do at half-time and went out and did it.
“It thought we deserved to win the game, to be honest.
“The manager told us at half-time that we had to raise our game because we couldn’t afford to start like that against teams like Queen of the South, who come flying out of the traps.
“If we didn’t raise the standard then we would be struggling all season, he told us.
“We know we are going to get a lot of challenges in the Championship but hopefully we can get through them.”
The Betfred – or League Cup as it was still known last season – was the competition in which Robson made his United debut.
He recalled: “I played against Dunfermline last season (a 3-1 win) and it was a Tuesday night under the floodlights at Tannadice, just like the Partick one.
“So hopefully I can be composed, express myself and really show the supporters what I can do.”
United boss McKinnon was, while admitting his side’s flaws against the Doonhamers, keen to be upbeat ahead of the cup-tie.
He declared: “Let’s be positive – we are undefeated in five competitive games!
“Listen, we didn’t get off to a great start on Saturday and I think the boys under-estimated the standard of this league.
“They got their wake-up call and I thought they were excellent in the second half and should have probably won the game.
“We would have liked to have had a victory but we are up and running and now we need to build on that.
“Partick will be a big test for us because they are on a right, good run just now.
“I am looking forward to what should be a great cup game and I might make a few changes.”
One of those will be to replace the suspended Nick van der Velden, with Scott Fraser likely to come in for the Dutchman.