Kieran Freeman says playing under Jim McInally adds to his determination to be a succes with Dundee United.
Arabs full-back Freeman will play under McInally this season having joined Peterhead on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old believes playing for the Blue Toon this term in League One will help him improve and move closer to achieving the goal of becoming a first-team regular for the Tangerines.
Balmoor boss McInally played 395 times for the Tannadice club helping them win the Scottish Cup and reach the Uefa Cup final.
As a young player striving to make the grade with United, Freeman believes working under Scotland’s longest serving manager will benefit him.
The defender, who was born in Aberdeen, said: “The manager has been brilliant with me since I joined. With both the friendlies I’ve played he’s been very clear with me in terms of what he wants and how he wants to play and that’s very helpful for me.
“I know the manager played for Dundee United and he’s a club legend.
“Unfortunately it was before my time so I didn’t manage to watch him – but if you could get close to the number of games he played then you’d have a very good career.
“I know Jim played alongside Dave Bowman at United and he’s been coaching me recently so I’ve heard some great stories about those times at Dundee United.
“You want to have careers like these people so you’ve got to strive to have that.
“People like Jim McInally and Dave Bowman have been there and achieved what players coming through are hoping to do so you listen to every word they have to say because you can learn so much.”
Freeman returned to Dundee United in January after an injury hit three-and-a-half years at Southampton.
He’s made three first team appearances this season and having had that initial taste of first-team football he’s determined to sample more with the Blue Toon.
He added: “You get confidence from playing every week and hopefully if I do that then I can grow from week to week and keep improving.
“I’ve played a few times for Dundee United and it was good to be involved.
“I managed 70 minutes after starting against Ross County which was great and most importantly it was a win for the team.
“Then I played bits against Celtic and Rangers as well. That’s given me a taste of first-team football.
“So hopefully I can grasp my opportunity in League One and that can help me play more in the Premiership further down the line.”
Freeman believes Peterhead can have a good campaign in League One – a division which includes full-time sides Falkirk and Partick Thistle, while Airdrieonians are operating a hybrid squad of full and part-time players.
He is set to feature in this afternoon’s friendly against Dundee North End and said: “When you look at League One it’s a good level. There’s a couple of full-time teams in there that will be good to play.
“Even sides like Airdrie and Montrose have done well in the league in recent seasons and they’ll be tough to play against as well.
“But I’m impressed with the squad we’ve got at Peterhead and I’m hopeful we can have a good season.”