Dundee United’s Aidan Connolly has declared himself ready to step up a level for the new season.
Connolly and his Tannadice teammates suffered a tough first pre-season game in the Netherlands, losing 4-0 to Vitesse Arnhem on Friday night.
Life in Holland won’t get any easier this week, as they face AZ Alkmaar on Tuesday night and finish off with a game against Utrecht on Thursday.
However, the 19-year-old playmaker is confident these Dutch tests will be beneficial to him and the rest of the squad as they gear up for the match that matters most the season opener at home to Aberdeen on August 2.
“It was our first game back after the summer break and it was obviously a difficult one against a good side,” said Connolly.
“I was told Vitesse are playing in Europe and that wasn’t a surprise as you could see they had a lot of quality players.
“The most important match for us, though, is the one against Aberdeen to start the league season.
“There are a lot of young boys at the club but I am confident we are all ready to step up.
“This season will be a big one for a lot of our players and I would definitely include myself in that.”
Connolly’s play against Vitesse was pretty direct and he admitted that getting more goals is his aim for the new campaign after receiving some fatherly advice from former United frontman Paddy.
“I have spoken to my dad about the new season and he told me what I really need to do is score more goals,” he added.
“I need to work on my weaknesses, which I have been doing with the help of other guys like Charlie Telfer and John Souttar.
“I don’t think I played my best against Vitesse Arnhem but I still managed to have a couple of decent shots.
“Hopefully I can get a lot more games this season than I did during the last one.
“I know I have to keep working hard. It will be tough to stay in the side because we have a strong enough squad but I am confident I can do it.”
Ryan Dow has had his dead leg strapped up and will stay on the sidelines for the match against AZ in Dirkshorn.
With Callum Morris out for a few weeks with a thigh injury, new recruit Coll Donaldson is likely to get another runout.