Dundee United’s Scott Fraser admits going out on loan to League One side Airdrie last season was an invaluable lesson in his footballing education.
The midfielder was delighted to sign a contract extension with the Tangerines on Monday that will keep him at Tannadice until at least May, 2018.
He is now looking to try to establish himself in manager Jackie McNamara’s starting XI, having realised while playing for Gary Bollan’s Airdrie that there is more to football than just pretty passing and attacking.
Fraser said: “I am over the moon (about contract). We have been speaking about it for about a week now so it is a great thing for me to get it over the line.
“I can now concentrate on the rest of the season.
“It helped me massively going to Airdrie. I learned there is more to the game than just the attacking side of things.
“In the Under-20s it is more about passing the ball all the time.
“But in that league, you are battling, making tackles, winning headers and second balls.
“Going there made me learn I had to get stronger and more involved in the ugly side of the game, if you like.
“The Airdrie lads helped me settle in pretty quickly. We had played them in pre-season so I was getting a bit of banter from the first training session I went to and that eased me in.
“I was looking to go out and do well thankfully I did. It helped me a lot and I think it will benefit me in the long run.
“I have come back and played in the pre-season games so hopefully I can force my way into the team now.
“I am just trying to get as many appearances as I can and establish myself.
“I was on the bench at the weekend but I want to play.
“I got a taste for playing every week last season and that is something I want to continue with United.”