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NEW DUNDEE signing Elliott Parish has revealed he was forced into a grovelling apology on his very first day with the Dark Blues – for wearing orange boots.
The former Aston Villa, Cardiff City and Blackpool keeper thought watching pal Joe Lewis in action at Aberdeen had prepared him for his move to Scottish football.
But the 27-year-old committed a major faux pas when he turned up to his new club with footwear in the colour of city rivals Dundee United.
Parish has promised to quickly rectify his mistake, though, as he prepares for his first involvement against Cowdenbeath on Wednesday night – and especially before Sunday’s Betfred Cup clash with United.
He said: “I’ve watched Joe and his career up here. I’ve been interested to see how he got on, because he’s a very good goalkeeper.
“Having played with David Marshall at Cardiff, he always said the league was strong and that he loved it up here.
“Numerous people have said ‘get yourself up here, it’s good exposure, you’ll play in big games’ and we’ve got one on Sunday, haven’t we?
“I can’t wait for that.
“I guess the fans are going to have to excuse my boots, I’ve been told that already.
“They’re white and orange, so I will be getting some new ones – pretty quickly!
“I’ll take the blisters, that’ll be better than the grief I might get.”
PUSH
Dundee manager Neil McCann was left angered by his team’s performance in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Highland League champions Buckie Thistle and cancelled his players’ planned day off the following day.
However, the Dens Park boss has declared himself happy with the way his squad is coming together ahead of the new campaign.
The arrival of Parish, a former England under-20 internationalist, provides cover and competition for first-choice keeper Scott Bain.
But Parish is adamant he will not be satisfied with settling for second best as he seeks game-time north of the border.
He added: “I’ve been in the game a few years and I’m definitely signing at the moment, I guess, as back-up.
“But in my mind, and I’ve got to make this go into the manager’s head, I’m not here just to be back-up.
“I’ve got to push Bainy, who I’ve been very impressed with since I’ve come up; he’s a very good goalkeeper and a great lad.
“I’m looking forward to working with him, and pushing him, and hopefully I get a few chances to impose myself on the shirt.”
