Leigh Griffiths admits the connection with former Hibs teammate James McPake helped make his loan move to Dundee happen.
The Celtic striker has returned to Dens Park on loan until the end of the season, when his Parkhead contract expires.
Griffiths played alongside McPake at Easter Road while on loan from Wolves during the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons.
Before that, the pair were colleagues at Livingston where Griffiths came through the ranks.
And he admitted that his new boss making him feel wanted at Dundee was a big factor in his decision.
“I’m delighted,” he said. “I haven’t played a lot of football this season and Dundee have given me the opportunity to come in and showcase what I can do,” he told Sky Sports.
“James picked up the phone and made me feel wanted and that was a big factor for me. I’ve known him my whole career and I’m looking forward to playing for him.
“First and foremost my goal record speaks for itself and that’s what I’ve come here to do; score goals and make sure Dundee stay in the league.”
After some turbulent times at Celtic, Griffiths insists he will let his football do the talking rather than setting out to prove anyone wrong.
“I’m sick of saying I’ve got points to prove so I’m just going to let my football do the talking,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’ll try and help the team by scoring goals to make sure we’re up that table and make sure I’m playing well.”
