New Ross County signing Yan Dhanda is out to excite fanbase as former Swansea City and Liverpool man eyes European football in Dingwall
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Yan Dhanda is out to target Europa League football with Ross County after knocking back good offers in England to move north of the border.
The attacking midfielder brings a rich pedigree, having been tutored for five years within the prestigious Liverpool youth academy.
Either side of that amazing grounding, the 23-year-old started out in the West Bromwich Albion youths and later savoured four years of Championship football with Swansea – with 63 appearances – after leaving Merseyside.
At 23, he comes with plenty of first team experience, but also abundant promise.
County manager Malky Mackay’s obvious desire to bring him to Dingwall was a huge factor in his decision.
“I’m a confident player and really positive on the pitch – I’m always trying to go forward and make things happen, so I honestly just can’t wait to get going,” Dhanda said.
“I’ve had many positive conversations with the manager and he’s a key factor in why I came up here.
“I’m excited to play for him and show what I can do this year.
“I was close to coming to Ross County in January, but it fell through and I was gutted. I’m here now, and hopefully we can push on from last year’s progress for the club and get into Europe.”
Mackay played a big part in selling County to Dhanda as a club and destination.
“I had conversations with different clubs, but something inside was telling me Ross County was right – and I always trust my gut instinct,” he said.
“The manager believes in me. Sometimes as a player, all you want is to feel appreciated.
“You can play your best football when you’re happy and I really want to play for the manager here. I’m desperate to repay him on the pitch.
“I’m buzzing to be here. I was actually surprised at how nice Inverness was, with a bit more here than there is in Swansea.
“The training ground and pitch is lovely. I feel like these are the places where I really enjoy my football, focus on football and go for nice dinners and coffees, stuff like that.
“I’ve got a dog and I’ve heard from everyone that Inverness is good for dog walks. I’ll be travelling the Highlands to find the best places to walk my dog.”
