Paton ready to leave his mark after 'rollercoaster' journey to top flight

Dundee United's new signing Ruari Paton is relishing the chance to take on Premiership defences having been on a "rollercoaster" journey to reach Scotland's top flight.

The Irish striker failed to make the grade with Hibernian as a youngster, before spells at East Kilbride, Stranraer, Queen of the South and Queen's Park in Scotland's lower divisions.

The 24-year-old then signed for Port Vale last summer, but moves back north of the border with a loan switch to Tannadice.

"I was thinking about what a rollercoaster it's been from leaving Hibs and having to kind of basically work my way all the way through every level," Paton said.

"But when you're looking at it, it doesn't get bigger than this in Scotland.

"What I'm really looking forward to is going up against the teams in this league and saying 'let's have a go, let's see what this is about'. The supporters hopefully will see someone who plays with his heart on his sleeve.

"I know if every supporter that's watching can see that, I'm more than happy with that.

"But in terms of the league and the level, definitely ready to go and try to put my mark on it."