Ross County midfielder Stewart Murdoch is determined to prove himself in the Premiership, after returning to Scotland with the Staggies.
Murdoch is one of 10 players brought to Victoria Park by manager Jim McIntyre this summer after leaving English League 1 side Fleetwood Town at the end of last season.
The Aberdonian spent two years with the Cod Army after joining from his first club Falkirk in 2013.
During his time with the Bairns Murdoch made only three substitute appearances before the club was relegated from the top flight in 2010, with the remainder of his 88 outings for Falkirk coming in the Championship.
The 25-year-old is eager to establish himself with County to ensure his stay in the Premiership lasts longer.
Murdoch said: “I made a few appearances off the bench when Falkirk got relegated, but I actually made my debut in a 3-3 draw against Celtic. It will be a test for me this season to see exactly where I stand.
“I feel the two seasons in England stand me in good stead. I feel good and I’m in good shape, then it’s just down to me to keep that up until the first game.”
Just weeks after his move, Murdoch is already feeling right at home with the much-changed Staggies, who begin their Premiership campaign with a trip to champions Celtic on Saturday.
Murdoch added: “I’m still in a hotel at the moment but I’m looking to buy a place up here. I really like the area and I’ve found everyone is so nice to me.
“Everybody said it’s a lovely place to be and they were right.
“I’m seeing my team-mates a lot. We spend a lot of time together, socialising, going for coffees and the like.
“That can only benefit us on the pitch if I’m playing with friends and not just people I’m training with every day.
“At my last two clubs it wasn’t like that. Players had their friends away from football close by and mixed with them, whereas all the players have moved to Dingwall and Inverness together and we are sticking together.”