Ash Taylor believes he is purpose built for the rigours of Scottish football after making the move from Tranmere Rovers to Aberdeen.
The 23-year-old central defender, who has played more than 200 games for the League 1 club, admits the chance to play in Europe was too good an opportunity to turn down after signing a pre-contract agreement with the Dons.
He said: “Playing in Europe will be a big experience for me and I want to do well for the club. I like to play football. I like to get the ball down, head the ball and make a tackle, so I’m looking forward to it.
“I know it’s a good standard and the supporters are passionate and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Dons manager Derek McInnes has moved quickly to secure the former Welsh under-21 international and Taylor admits he was quickly won over by his new manager’s sales pitch.
He said: “I knew two weeks ago Aberdeen were interested and things have escalated very quickly since then.
“Derek gave me some good ideas of what the football was like and I thought it was a good opportunity for me.
“His ideas were brilliant and what he wants from me and the club is what I’m after.”
Taylor, who started his career as an attacking midfielder before switching to central defence, will be among friends when he joins his new team-mates next month.
He said: “I know Calvin Zola as he was at Tranmere when I was in the youth team, and I played with Shay Logan when he was on loan at Tranmere from Manchester City.
“I spoke to him and he had nothing but good words about the manager and the club. It made it so much easier as he gave me an insight into the club.”
The former Welsh under-21 player is eligible to play for Scotland and has not ruled out switching his allegiance if the opportunity arises.
He said: “When I was asked to play for Wales under-21s it was a great honour but I’ve got Scottish in me as well and if I do well for Aberdeen you never know.”