Dundee United full-back Adrian Sporle can leap over the language barrier and establish himself in the Tannadice first team.
That is the view of his manager Robbie Neilson, who has revealed that the Spanish-speaking Argentinian has been finding it hard to learn English.
Sporle (24) has been used sparingly by Neilson since he arrived from Atletico Banfield in his homeland in the summer, making just six starts and one substitute appearance.
The problem has been more verbal than physical.
Nevertheless, Neilson still believes he can go on to enjoy a successful career with the Tangerines once he gets used to his new home, the Scottish weather and, last but not least, the lingo.
The United boss said: “He is still learning English and getting acclimatised to Scotland, the country and the climate.
“It is just going to take time.
“We have to understand that Adrian has travelled halfway around the world to a totally different culture and language and he is also on his own so it is going to take time.
“He is finding it difficult just now because he doesn’t know the language but he has a teacher that he goes to regularly and is starting to pick things up in and around the dressing room.
“We just have to show a bit of patience.”
The United fans have seen Sporle do some good things in the games he has played and Neilson convinced he will be worth the wait.
The Tannadice gaffer added: “We knew it would take time for Adrian to settle but we have already seen there is a very, very good player in there.
“You don’t play 60 or 70 games in Argentina’s top flight if you don’t have quality.
“He has been doing well in the reserves, where we have been playing him left-back and also further forward.
“We see the quality he has but when you are playing in the defence communication is a big part of things because you need to be able to speak to the boy in front of you and the one beside you.
“People expect you to sign and player, throw him in and off you go.
“However, even guys you bring up from England who can speak the language take time to adjust to the Scottish league.
“It is totally different to what he is used to.
“If you watch the Argentinian league it is quite slow and teams will give you the ball and sit in.
“When you come to Scotland, though, the goalkeeper gets the ball and bangs it right on top of you.
“Adrian has to get used to that style of long balls, second balls and reacting to quick turns.
“It will all take time.”
Meanwhile, Neilson expects Lawrence Shankland to be in his team to face Morton a week on Saturday despite the star striker pulling out of the Scotland squad with a hamstring injury.
Shankland has returned to his club for further assessment and Neilson is confident his condition isn’t serious.
The manager said: “I would expect Lawrence to be fit for the Morton game and, if not, the worse-case scenario would be the weekend after.”
