Simon Murray has admitted he is still on a learning curve as he tries to fire Dundee United up the Championship table.
Indeed, the keen student of the game has warmly welcomed Tony Andreu to Tannadice despite the Frenchman’s arrival on loan from Norwich City arguably making it harder for the 24-year-old to get into the Tangerines’ team.
Rather than resent the presence of a talented attacker, former Arbroath player Murray wants to pick up tips from Andreu on how to become a better all-round player.
Murray, who will travel with his United colleagues to East End Park today for a tough-looking league clash against Dunfermline, even praised boss Ray McKinnon for getting the ex-Hamilton Accies man on board.
He said: “I think there have been a lot of good signings made by the club.
“The last one to come in was Tony on transfer deadline day and the manager deserves credit for getting him because there were offers from a few Premiership clubs.
“The gaffer has obviously been central to persuading guys like that to come here even though we got relegated last season. He has done a great job.
“So the squad is looking good and everyone is on their toes now, including me.
“There is real competition for places.
“However, for me, it is all about learning.
“Tony has come in from Norwich and Nick van der Velden has played at a high level all his career so if I can learn from them then great.
“Every day when you are training with them you watch and see what they are doing and maybe even try to copy them.
“Tony has a great touch, comes to the ball well, makes passes and creates good space for himself.
“Sometimes when you are working alongside really good players things get easier for you.
“It can benefit your own game.”
Murray was on target when United last faced the Pars, when they won 2-0 in the Betfred Cup group stages at Tannadice six weeks ago.
However, he believes the Fifers have become stronger since then and is expecting a difficult match.
Murray said: “They have made a couple of good signings and we are under no illusions as to how tough it will be because they are a good side, with the likes of Nicky Clark coming in.
“However, we still believe that if we go there and play the way we can then we can come away with the three points.
“Also, we will have a good crowd there so that will definitely help the players.”