Dundee’s Dutch import Yordi Teijsse admits it has been something of a culture shock to him in Scotland with the incredibly-early start to competitive action this afternoon at East Fife.
The 23-year-old was snapped up by Dens boss Paul Hartley on a two-year deal last month after an impressive season for Dutch amateur side Quick Boys.
It has been a steep learning curve ever since for the striker however, he insists he is ready to show what he is capable of if he wins the nod in the Betfred Cup tie at New Bayview.
Teijsse said: “It feels like I have just walked through the door and we are already playing games.
“My fitness is good, it is maybe just my touch at times that is letting me down.
“The manager is saying this to me. I know I need to improve in certain areas.
“I hope to do that in the League Cup games.
“I hope to be given the chance to show what I can do in a competitive game against East Fife.
“It is up to the gaffer, but I am ready. If he wants to pick me, he can rely on me to do a job for the team.
“I want to score goals for this football club and I want to start this weekend.”
Teijsse could indeed be handed his chance as front men Greg Stewart and Kane Hemmings are injury doubts.
Meanwhile, East Fife boss Gary Naysmith was pleased that Aberdeen had the lion’s share of possession when the sides met in a friendly last Sunday as it was the perfect preparation for facing Dundee today.
Naysmith’s League 2 Champions put on a spirited display as they went down 4-2 to the Pittodrie outfit and the Fifers’ boss saw plenty of positives as he explained: “We showed a lot of spirit in that game to come from two goals down and have Aberdeen a bit rattled.
“However, more importantly we learned a lot about playing the game when you do not have a lot of the ball.
“Last season we never really experienced that so it was good to play in that manner before facing a strong Dundee side.”
Naysmith however is not writing off his team’s chances adding: “As good as Dundee are, we need to take care of ourselves. If we do that then we will give ourselves a chance of doing something.
“We are in a tough group but we will look to progress from it.”
New signings Tony Wallace and Chris Duggan are both struggling with knocks and could have their debuts for Naysmith’s side delayed as a result.
