Durnan ready for Dens test
Saturday, 21st Jul 2018Mark Durnan:- “You like to test yourself against these players and want go out there, do well and win.
After signing from Dundee United in the close season, Mark Durnan is one of eight new faces in the Dunfermline squad for the 2018-2019 season. He was pleased that his side took three points from their opening game against Peterhead and is looking forward to trying to keep that going at Dens Park on Sunday.
“It was a game you looked forward to when you were at United. It is a good derby to play in. They are a Premiership side so you want to go out and compete against these teams.
“We certainly enjoyed the pre season friendly against Motherwell but this is different and more competitive in that we are actually playing for something. You like to test yourself against these players and want go out there, do well and win.
“We want to do well in this cup, we want to get through to the next round so we will go up there to try and get something from the match.”
The Betfred Cup certainly started well for Mark Durnan in his competitive debut for Dunfermline. He was pleased with the 3-0 Peterhead:-
“It was good to get the three points. We are still trying to bond the team, get the right formation and the right personnel in positions.
“I have played in a back three before. Dan, Ashy and Lewis have said that they have played there before so it is certainly an option for the manager and Sandy to look at. Everybody can play with a back four as well so it is just about working out what is going to suit the team best.”
Cup games can be frustrating for players and fans alike, playing against teams that you are facing four times already in the league. Mark felt that it was good for the fans to get an away trip to somewhere different:-
“Dens is not too far away and it is a good stadium to go to. Hopefully when we go there on Sunday we can put in a good performance and try and get a result from the match.
“Dundee have a good team up there and Neil McCann up there wants to take them into the top six. They are certainly a team that we want to compete against and do well.
“We have aspirations to be in the Premier League in the next couple of years so if we want todo well this year and challenge for the league, you test yourself against teams like that and prove that you have got the right of be in the Premiership.”
Sunday’s match will have a UK wide audience as it is broadcast live on BT Sport. The 26 year old defender suggested that might send some of his team mates off to see their stylists!
“A few of the boys are getting the hair cuts in so that they look sharp. Hopefully we can put in a good performance.”
Mark played under Allan Johnston and Sandy Clark at Queen of the South and he is happy to be re-united with his previous management team.
“Pre season has been really enjoyable. You do the hard work, play a lot of football and now we are just getting into the technical side to make sure that we know what we are doing on the pitch.
“There is a good vibe in the dressing room and the manager and Sandy are trying to get a good atmosphere around the place by bringing in the right players. Hopefully we can keep bonding as a team and go and try and have a successful season.”
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