Paul Hartley says Mark O'Hara has been 'a breath of fresh air' since joining Dundee and insists the player is loving his new attacking role.

The 20-year-old signed from Kilmarnock this summer and found the net in the 2-1 loss to Rangers after impressing in the opening day win over Ross County.

O'Hara mainly operated as a right back during his time at Rugby Park but Hartley believes he can get the best out of the youngster in a number 10 position.

He said: "I love having Mark involved right now. He's been a breath of fresh air for the team.

"He's a brilliant young professional and has a great attitude and work ethic.

"He also has great qualities about him. How he was a right-back or a centre-half I'll never know because I see this kid as an attacking midfield player.

"He's 6ft 2ins, can run box to box and with real good quality on the ball. He needs to add goals to his game. That was his first senior goal last week in 80 games. In fairness he was playing at the back before but I've set him a target of 10 goals.

"When I looked at him I just felt there was a change of position needed. I watched him in the play-off game against Falkirk last year and I just felt he was restricted.

"And fair play to him, he has so far stood up to the challenge. He was pretty low when I tried to sign him but we had a good conversation. I told him to come in here and enjoy it and that I'd try to help him, because I know what he can be.

"When I told him what I had in mind he couldn't wait to get started. We have taken the shackles off him and told him to go be what he can be.

"If he keeps progressing then he can be anything he wants to be."