DUNDEE new-boy Tom Cowan is thrilled to be playing top-flight football in Scotland after fearing he could end up on the bottom rung of the ladder following his release from York City.

The 33-year-old left-back has signed a one-year deal with the Dark Blues as cover for first-choice Jonay Hernandez.

Former Rangers player Cowan, released by City in the summer as part of cost-cutting measures, missed out on the chance of a contract with Barnsley after training with the Second Division club in the close season.

However, Cowan was offered a two-year contract with Nationwide Conference favourites Chester after impressing in a pre-season game.

But a couple of phone calls to Dens Park boss Jim Duffy set Cowan back on his way to his homeland after a 12-year absence, with the chance of European football on offer for next season.

Cowan, said: "It's back home and back to Scotland. I've got family up here, so I'm sorted that way. It's a really good move for me playing in the Scottish Premier League again.

"I thought I was going to have to play in the Conference or something like that, but everyone is struggling to get a club at the moment."

Updated: 11:04 Thursday, August 07, 2003