Dundee boss Paul Hartley has backed Julen Etxabeguren to be a hit in the top flight this season.
Hartley snapped up the Spaniard from East Fife after the 24-year-old got his career back on track having left first-club Real Sociedad to focus on his education.
Etxabeguren netted in the Dark Blues’ 2-1 friendly win over Raith Rovers in midweek and Hartley, whose side face Brechin away this afternoon, is expecting big things from his cultured centre-back.
Hartley said: “I see him pushing for a spot.
“He has looked the part in training and in the match the other day.
“He’s fit and aggressive. He’s not looked out of place one bit despite coming from the lower leagues.
“He can play, speaks good English as well as having height.”
Meanwhile, Hartley wants his side to adapt throughout the season to keep the opposition guessing.
He added: “I want the players to be flexible.
“Last season we switched formations from game to game. I think I have got a group here who can do that also.
“It’s all about the players really.
“Brechin will be another test for us as Darren Dods will have them well organised and fit.”
