The chance to challenge for a first-team place and play against men each week is what persuaded Dundee United’s latest signing Joe Piggott to pack his bags and head north of the border.
The former Everton academy kid, who was coached by former United star and Toffee’s legend Duncan Ferguson during his time at Goodison, has turned down offers from a couple of English league clubs to join the Tangerines.
That’s because the 19-year-old striker believes being part of the squad at Tannadice can fast track his development.
“It’s a big opportunity to come up here. When I heard United were offering me a contract I was made up.
“Now I just want to crack on and make good progress through the season,” said Piggott, who was on Rochdale’s books last season.
“When I came up on trial I saw that the facilities here were top class and I got on well with the gaffer.
“He liked what he saw from my first training session and, for me, I felt this move suited me better than playing U/23s at a club in England or something like that.
“I want to play first-team football. I said at the end of last season that had to be my aim for this year, to be involved at first-team level and I will get that opportunity here if I do well.”
Piggott made his first start in the weekend Irn-Bru Cup win over Alloa and given it was his first competitive outing since last term, was satisfied with his performance.
“I was pleased with how things went on Saturday. I am a bit low on match fitness but that will come and I thought I did OK for my first start.”
He’s likely to be in the squad for the resumption of Championship duties when Dumbarton visit Tannadice on Saturday.
With competition from experienced men like Scott McDonald, James Keatings and Patrick N’Koyi, he may have to wait patiently for a first league start.
Still missing for that one with a shoulder injury is experienced defender Tam Scobbie, though he is making progress.
https://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/fp/ex-dundee-star-set-united-move-teen-striker-joe-piggott/
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.