When it’s pointed out to Lewis Toshney that, just a few weeks ago, Dundee United fans were worried if they’d have a team to watch come the start of the season, his answer is a bemused smile.
For in a career that at just 24 has already taken him from Celtic to places like Dundee, Ross County, Cowdenbeath and Raith Rovers before the Tangerines, he’s never known competition like there is at Tannadice.
The summer signing from Raith has played the full 90 minutes in both competitive games so far and that’s delighted him almost as much as his goal on his home debut against Cowden on Tuesday night did.
That’s because he knows both getting into and staying in Ray McKinnon’s side is not easy.
“I saw people were talking about a lack of players before I signed but I’ve never been anywhere where there’s as much competition for places as here,” said the right-back.
“On Tuesday, the manager made four changes to the starting team and altered the formation but we went out and won 6-1.
“That shows there are a lot of good players here and the kind of quality they have.”
For Toshney, that competition can only be a good thing and, having been handed a starting jersey, he is determined to make the most of this opportunity.
“Boys will come in and do the job if you’re not, so you need to make sure you are doing the business to stay in there.
“I’ve been lucky enough to start the two competitive games so far but I know if I don’t do the business there are others who will. That keeps you on your toes and playing well.”
Judging by his displays so far, his place looks secure but he is quick to give credit to others for helping him get his United career off to a flying start.
“As full-backs, Dicker (Paul Dixon) and I know we have a big role to play. If we get forward, it will give teams problems if they sit in against us.
“The gaffer has been on to us about that and we know what we have to do. We have to bomb on and get down the flanks.
“When you do that, you are relying on your team-mates to get the ball to you and there are plenty here who will.
“We have Willo Flood, Scotty Fraser, Stewart Murdoch and other players like them. We know if we make the runs they will find us.
“That’s great to have because you know you are not wasting your run when you set off down the flanks.”
Tuesday night saw Toshney form an instant understanding with fellow new-signing Flood and, while it was the first time the pair have played in the same team, that came as no great surprise.
“I said to Willo in training earlier in the week that I make those runs and, he is such a quality player, he picked up on it right away.
“You notice immediately he spots things on the park other players don’t see and he’s great to play beside. Having him here can only help us.”
Toshney’s early goal on Tuesday was very much the icing on the cake for him and, although hitting the back of the net will never be his main role for United, to get off the mark left him with a broad smile.
“I’m from Dundee, so I had a lot of friends and family in the crowd. To get my first goal for United in front of them meant a lot to me.
“My main job is as a defender and to get forward in wide areas but, if I can chip in with a few goals, I’ll be happy.
“I got three for Raith last season but I’d like to think I can get a few more this year.”
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