Dundee’s Faissal El Bakhtaoui admits he is working hard in the gym after training to help him make the big step up from League 1 to the Premiership.
The 23-year-old Frenchman spent last season banging in the goals for Dunfermline, netting 30 times in total.
That scoring record alerted other clubs to his potential and Dundee finally won the race for his signature at the start of last month with the player putting pen to paper on a three-year deal at Dens.
Dark Blues boss Paul Hartley showed his faith in El Bakhtaoui when he handed him his first start for the team two weekends ago against Motherwell.
The striker hopes he did enough to keep his place in the side today against Kilmarnock but he is fully aware he still has a lot of work to do before he is the finished article at this level.
He said: “I am settling in well. The boys have been good with me along with the manager and Gerry (assistant manager McCabe).
“They have given me the confidence in training, telling me what to do because it is a new team for me.
“I need to work hard but it has been good.
“I was delighted to get a start against Motherwell and hopefully I have shown the manager I can play.
“I am up against good, experienced players now so I need to concentrate and work hard.
“It is a higher level and much tougher. I am working hard in the gym after training.
“I am quick but the players I have come up against so far are maybe a bit stronger so I also have to be stronger.”
As well as the Motherwell game, El Bakhtaoui has made three substitute appearances for Dundee but is still waiting to score his first goal for the club.
He is certain he is close to breaking his duck and when he does, his confidence will receive a big boost.
He said: “I think I just need to keep concentrating. The manager has said to me that if I don’t score, it is still fine.
“I think it is coming and I just need to get one goal. After that, I will be confident.
“I feel the fans are behind me. Dundee has a big support and I am happy to know they are behind me.
“I am now looking to do something for them.”
