Cammy Smith hopes his loan move to Dundee United can help him become a first team regular at Aberdeen.
The Dons midfielder has completed his season-long move to the Championship club and is determined to return to Pittodrie an improved player for the experience.
He said: “I feel this is the right move for me this season.
“At this stage of my development I need to try and play more first team football, so I am really looking forward to the challenge of trying to play on a regular basis for Dundee United.
“I think the Championship this season is going to be a good league and it is going to be very competitive.
“I know a number of the younger players at Tannadice as I have been with them in the Scotland youth setup so I am sure they will help me settle in quickly.
“I am still an Aberdeen player and first and foremost an Aberdeen fan – I will try and get along to watch the games when I can.
“I will be working hard to help Dundee United have success this season and hopefully if I do well I can become more a regular for Aberdeen in the years to come.
Dons manager Derek McInnes added: “This is a good move for Cammy and an opportunity for him to play regular first time football.
“The objective is for him to gain valuable experience and come back here pushing for a regular first team spot while, although it’s a season long loan, we have the option to recall him in January.”
Smith is in line to make his debut for the Tangerines in the Betfred Cup tie at Arbroath on Friday.