Aberdeen loan goalkeeper Danny Ward has not come to Pittodrie to sit on the bench.
The 22-year-old, who joined the Dons on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool on Friday, made an impressive appearance on his debut in the second half as Aberdeen defeated St Johnstone 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at Glebe Park, Brechin, yesterday.
Ward, who has just signed a three-year deal with the Anfield giants, is ready to play if called upon against KF Shkendija in Macedonia on Thursday as the Dons launch their Euro campaign.
He said: “There have been no guarantees but I haven’t come here to sit on the bench. The idea of me coming here was to do well and impress at Aberdeen so, of course, I want to play.
“I played in the odd game here and there last season and was on the bench for the first team for some games but I’m at the stage of my career when I need to play.
“Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told me to come here and enjoy it and that’s what I plan to do.”
The Wales under-21 international had offers to stay in England but wanted to move to Pittodrie once Aberdeen made their interest known.
He added: “I’m glad the opportunity has come around and, while I had interest from a couple of clubs in the Football League, Aberdeen offers the chance to play in the Scottish Premiership and Europe. As soon as I heard of their interest I knew this is where I wanted to be.
“I first heard about it a couple of weeks back from my agent before the wheels were put in motion last week.
“I don’t know a lot about Scottish football but I know I am joining a big club in Aberdeen.
“They will be challenging on all fronts including Europe this season and it’s a challenge I want to be involved in.
“It’s nice to know my club wants to keep me but right now all I’m focusing on is doing well at Aberdeen.
“I’ve spoken to a few people who have told me Scottish football is passionate and I’m looking forward to being part of it.
“I knew Ash Taylor from our time with the Wales youth teams which will help me settle in here.”