FORMER England youth cap Dan Pybus wants to show he’s got craft to add to the graft after ex-team-mates helped sell a move to East End.

The 23-year-old, who has represented his country at under-16 and under-17 level alongside the likes of Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson and Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, penned a one-year deal – with the option for a further 12 months – after leaving Queen of the South.

Pybus, who came through the ranks with Sunderland and has also played for Bradford City and Norwegian outfit Tønsberg, impressed boss Peter Grant on trial and made his debut at Partick Thistle in Saturday's Premier Sports Cup opener, before making his first start during Tuesday's loss to St Mirren.

Speaking to Press Sport after signing, Pybus commented: “When the opportunity came to come and train, it was a no-brainer.

“It was obviously up to me then to try and do the best I could and impress but I’m really impressed by everything so far.

“It’s a massive club. I spoke to a few boys I know; I lived with Faissal El Bakhtaoui, who was obviously here, and he always used to tell me how big they were.

“Wullie Gibson was here, Rhys McCabe, so a few of the lads from Queens have been here and they all speak so highly of the club and how big it is.

“I’ve played against the manager quite a few times when he’s been the manager of Alloa, and I’ve always had a decent enough game, so I think there was always some interest there.

“You’ve got to put yourself forward and say listen, I’m more than happy to come in and show what I can do.

“I took the risk, I came in and thankfully it’s went well. I owe him for the opportunity he’s given me so I need to work hard every day in training. When I get that chance in a game, I need to give 100 per cent.

“That’s me in a nutshell – I’ll always give 100 per cent but I also want to come here and show that I’m more than just a runner, a grafter, and that I’ve also got quality on the ball.”

Pybus is confident the Pars have the tools to have a memorable season, and added: “There’s no reason why we can’t go and win the league this season.

“There’s obviously some great players in the squad – I’ve seen that first-hand over the last week. You see in training how good some of them really are.”