Dundee boss Paul Hartley hails Spanish defender’s impact

Dundee boss Paul Hartley insists Julen Etxabeguren has proved he’s tailor-made for the Scottish top-flight.

The Spanish stopper has settled well into life with the Dark Blues following his summer move from East Fife where he kick-started his career after taking the decision to leave his native Spain.

Etxabeguren, who came on for injured defensive colleague James McPake in Saturday’s 1-0 win away to Partick Thistle, has taken the step-up in his stride.

And Hartley reckons the 24-year-old’s displays so far this season show he was right to snap him up.

The manager said: “I think Julen has shown what he’s capable of so far.

“When we signed him, it was with a view to being a first-team player and that’s how things have proved.

“He’ll get better with each game and I think we’ve seen that.

“It’s a case of him gaining as much experience as possible and Julen has handled the step up very well.

“He’s moved here to the city as well which has helped him settle in overall and shows his commitment.”