New Dundee goalie Steve Simonsen admits he is expecting a battle royal with Rab Douglas for ownership of the No 1 jersey at Dens.
Simonsen was handed a baptism of fire in Sunday’s derby at Tannadice against Dundee United after signing for the Dark Blues last week but the former Everton, Stoke and Tranmere stopper took everything in his stride.
The 33-year-old was brought in to the club by manager John Brown as experienced cover for Douglas, who has been struggling with a thigh injury, and Simonsen knows that, when his veteran counterpart is fully fit once again, he will have his work cut out to remain first-choice.
Simonsen said: “Rab is a quality keeper and you don’t play for the likes of Celtic and Scotland if you’re not. I played against him down south a couple of times for Stoke when he was at Leicester so I obviously know a bit about him.
“Rab is carrying a bit of an injury just now and will be hoping he can get himself fit again soon.
“Competition is good in every position. The gaffer has made it clear that’s what he wants and I want to build up a good working relationship with Rab.
“I know I can’t take anything for granted. So I’ll just work as hard as I possibly can and whoever gets the jersey, then good luck to them.”
Simonsen admitted he was delighted to get back into the thick of the action in the derby even although he was denied a clean sheet by Michael Gardyne’s late equaliser.
The keeper, who had not played since leaving Preston North End in January, also revealed that he turned down offers from England in a bid to make his mark in the SPL.
He said: “I was pleased to get back in the thick of things after a while not playing competitively. It was a whirlwind few days as I had to meet my new team-mates and then try to get to know the back four.
“But to be part of such a battling performance with only 10 men for 70 minutes was something special. I’m very grateful to John Brown for giving me this opportunity and want to repay him as much as possible.
“I turned down other offers in England as they just didn’t feel right. But coming to Dundee was something which appealed to me as soon as I heard of their interest.
“It’s great to have the chance to play in the SPL and I’ll be trying to make the most of it in the weeks ahead.”