Yan Dhanda cannot wait to sample the real-life passion of the Scottish Premiership – after watching from the stands before joining Ross County.
The 23-year-old ex-Swansea attacking midfielder, who joined the Staggies on a two-year deal last week, almost made the move in January.
It never happened and he stayed at English Championship side Swansea before manager Malky Mackay drove the deal over the line this month.
The former Liverpool and West Brom youth player – who is training with his new team-mates in Verona, Italy – this week explained just how much he is looking forward to making an impact in Scotland’s top division.
The Birmingham-born play-maker said: “Ever since I first had a conversation with the manager here, I’ve watched Scottish football quite a lot.
“That was in the New Year, so I can’t wait. I actually came to Ross County’s game away at Celtic earlier in the year, and I was blown away.
“It was by far the best game I’ve ever been to. I’ve been to Liverpool games, England games, but the atmosphere there was by far the best I’ve ever seen.
“I can’t wait to be able to play in front of such big football fans, and show what I can do. It’s amazing to be up here.”
Pride in South Asian heritage
Dhanda, who is of Indian descent, carries a real sense of pride about his heritage as he takes to the pitch for County.
And the former England youth international is determined to prove hard work can be the foundation for helping to take South Asian footballers as far as they want to go.
He said: “I’m super-proud of my heritage and where my grandparents on my dad’s side are from.
“I’m trying to prove to young South Asians that you can become a professional footballer if you really believe and you have the right guidance.
“I had that – my family have always supported me, and my dad actually came up here with me to make sure everything’s alright.
“I’m desperate to show people that you can do anything you want, you just have to have the right guidance and obviously work as hard as possible.”
Friendship forged with Scotland international McBurnie
Dhanda scored on his Swansea debut in a 2-1 win at Sheffield United, with Scotland international striker Oli McBurnie also scoring that day.
New Staggies recruit Dhanda struck up a rapport with McBurnie, who now actually plays for Sheffield United.
He added: “Oli’s a good friend of mine.
“I spent a couple of years with him at Swansea, and he actually looked after me when I got there.
“He always made me feel welcome, so I thank him a lot to be honest.”
Top level grounding for Dhanda
Dhanda had a terrific youth grounding at West Brom and Liverpool and he is sure he will take the lessons from those times into life in the Scottish Premiership.
He said: “I was lucky enough to train with the first-team quite a lot of times (at Liverpool), so I’ve had experience of training with internationals from all over the world and some of the best players in the world.
“I take those experiences with me, and they have made me a better player.
“Obviously, I know the level you have to be at to play for those kind of clubs, so I’m just desperate to get on the pitch for Ross County and play as many games as possible.”
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