Alex Nicholls admits moving to Scotland and Dundee United was an easy decision for him to make as he is just desperate to be playing regularly again.
The 29-year-old, who can play as a winger or striker, joined the Tangerines last week on loan from Barnet with Tannadice boss Ray McKinnon having kept tabs on the player since the summer.
Nicholls came agonisingly close to making a dream debut as a sub against Raith on Saturday when he clipped the outside of the post with what was his first touch of the ball for the club.
Now, he is just looking to get as much game time as possible under his belt with McKinnon admitting if he does well, he could earn a permanent deal at the end of the season.
Nicholls said: “The manager at Barnet told me I was available for loan so the first I knew about moving to Dundee United was when the gaffer here expressed an interest.
“I didn’t know he’d looked at bringing me in during the summer but that’s good to know.
“Any interest is good interest – so it gives me confidence that he’s been thinking about me for a while.
“I am just looking forward to playing as many games as I can while I’m here.
“I have another year left at Barnet but you never know what can happen if you do well.
“It was an easy decision to come here because I’m desperate to play.
“I didn’t know much about Scottish football but after I first heard about the interest, I did my research.
“Obviously I had heard of Dundee United and knew this is a big club, so it’s all about trying to help the team get back to the Premiership.
“The team is at the right end of the table, we have a challenge to get to the top of the league.
“I’ve won promotion before. When I was younger I won League Two with Walsall.
“I played with Stewart Murdoch at Northampton so he has been good helping me settle in.”
Prior to joining United, Nicholls had endured a frustrating time at Barnet following the departure of previous boss Martin Allen.
He added: “I started every game at the beginning of the season but the manager changed and I found myself out of the team.
“So I spoke to him because sitting around not playing wasn’t doing me any good.
“I’ve always played wherever I’ve been. I’ve missed time through injury before but when I’ve been fit I’ve always played.
“So sitting around wasn’t an option for me. I have this chance now and it’s up to me to take it.”
