Riccardo Calder is ready to be unleashed upon Hamilton and show his true self.
Dundee’s on-loan Aston Villa winger has played four times for the Dens men since moving north but it was only in his last start against Motherwell that he really felt at home in dark blue.
Getting things sorted off the park, though, has been a big boost for the 19-year-old and he was a star turn in that 2-1 home victory over the Steelmen before the international break.
Now Calder is looking to repeat the feat against Lanarkshire’s other Premiership club at New Douglas Park this afternoon.
The Birmingham-born England youth international said: “I am enjoying it at Dundee.
“It took me some time to get settled in but I am used to it now.
“I have had to get a place to stay and other stuff sorted out but that’s getting done.
“So the supporters are seeing the real me now.
“I am hopefully producing my best form, having started a couple of matches and come off the bench before that.
“It has been about getting involved in first-team football for me, going out and playing in front of the fans.
“I have confidence and I know the supporters were right behind me.
“There is a lot to be positive about for me at the club.”
Calder, who had been training with the senior squad at Villa and been named as a substitute four times before travelling to Scotland, knows that his progress is being monitored from the Midlands.
Asked if he knee manager Tim Sherwood was keen to know how he was getting on north of the border, Calder replied: “Yes, they are keeping in touch with me even though I am so far away from home.
“I am happy to be in the first team, playing games in front of crowds.
“This is the right move for me.
“That is what I am here to do.”
Calder joined the Dundee fans in welcoming the news that the damage caused to Greg Stewart by the terrible tackle from Louis Moult in the Motherwell match was not lasting.
He said: “I like playing with guys like Greg and it will be nice to have him back.
“It is a relief he came through it.
“In football you do expect tackles but I am just happy that he will be ready for this game.
“A big part of my job is to supply crosses for the lads in the middle while also looking to score goals myself.
“If I get the ball in the box then I know they will be there.”