He was Peter Houston’s first signing as Dundee United manager and now Barry Douglas believes the time is right to claim a regular first-team place.
Douglas has not let the Tangerines down since signing from Queen’s Park in the wake of the Scottish Cup success in 2010 but he has strived and failed to oust Paul Dixon from the left-back position.
But with Dixon heading off to pastures new after Sunday’s final fixture of the season against Motherwell, that opens the door for Douglas.
Now 22, he is ready to become one of the first names Houston writes on his teamsheets.
”I hope next season is going to be my season,” said Douglas. ”That has to be my main aim. The manager has said that to me and I agree with him.
“It has been obviously frustrating this season not playing as much as I would have liked. Any player will tell you the same thing, although the gaffer has been great and has told me to bide my time and my chance will come.
”I can’t really complain because the boys have been magnificent in finishing fourth and qualifying for Europe. Their consistency levels have been really high so you have to respect that no matter how much you would like to play.
”Paul Dixon has been outstanding at left-back and his quality of delivery is second to none in the SPL. But with him leaving an opportunity opens up for me and hopefully I will be able to take it.”
As he looks to establish himself as a regular, Douglas need look no further than flatmate Gary Mackay-Steven for inspiration. He has burst on to the SPL stage and been a revelation for United this season.
”Gaz has been different class,” said Douglas. ”I can’t think of too many players who have made such a big impact in their first season in the SPL.
”When you look at him doing as well as he has done and getting nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year, you don’t need any more incentive than that.
”He is a great example to all the young players at the club the way he comes in and trains so hard, and takes that into match-day.”
Douglas continued: ”Gaz has been a pleasure to watch this season and he has shown that if you get your chance and do well then you will stay in the team. I still share digs with Gaz and the fact so many of us live together helps for a great team spirit.”
Douglas enjoyed his first taste of European football when United travelled to Poland for their Europa League qualifier against Slask Wroclaw last year. Although United eventually lost the tie, the experience has left him desperate to sample continental competition again.
”There is so much to look forward to,” he added. ”For the club to qualify for Europe for the third season running is a credit to everyone associated with United.
“I played against Slask over there and there is no substitute for that kind of experience. When you’ve had a taste for it you just want to get even more game time under your belt.
“Now it is up to me to go away in the summer, work hard then come back and show that I deserve my place.”