NEW Athletic recruit Harry Sharp is hopeful that a whirlwind move to KDM Group East End Park can provide the top team game time he's looking for.

The 22-year-old, who last Thursday agreed a loan deal from Dundee until January, has also cited his former manager, James McPake, as a major reason in his decision to make the switch less than 24 hours after appearing for his parent club's 'B' side in an SPFL Trust Trophy tie.

Sharp, who was handed his first team debut by then Dark Blues boss McPake in that same competition, against Elgin City, in 2019, became Dunfermline's fifth recruit of the summer, following the acquisitions of Michael O'Halloran, and three of last season's loanees - Sam Fisher, Ewan Otoo and Kane Ritchie-Hosler - on permanent deals.

The goalkeeper, who has played for the Dens Park outfit in the Premiership and the Championship, was team-mates with Fisher on Tayside, ensuring a known and friendly face in the dressing room.

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McPake's influence, however, was a big factor in Sharp deciding to make the move, which the current Pars boss concluded after first choice goalkeeper, Deniz Mehmet, this week suffered an ankle injury in training that is set to keep him sidelined for a total of six weeks.

When asked how the prospect of joining Dunfermline arose, Sharp explained: "Just, obviously, with knowing Jaz (McPake).

"He's kept in contact with me over the years, and he's obviously wanted to bring me in, so he's spoken to the club (Dundee), and the club's wanted me to get out on loan, gain experience of being in a first team, and hopefully push for minutes here as well.

"For me, I'm coming in to help the team out, do my bit, push on for wins in the season, and get off to a good start in the season as well.

"Obviously, knowing the manager, and the way he works, is a big part in it (his decision to join the Pars) but, again, it's a big football club. The supporters are great, it's a brilliant stadium, brilliant setup, and, just the all-round way that the club is, I've been impressed by it so far.

"I've been close with Sam Fisher, obviously when he was at Dundee. I know of players, and they're a great group of lads. They've already welcomed me in well."

When asked if it was important to have someone who knows the player, and his game, as well as McPake does, at the club, Sharp replied: "I think it makes it easier to come in to a different place, where maybe you might not know anyone, but knowing a few familiar faces definitely does make it easier to come on.

"He knows my style of play, my strengths, and what I can help bring to the team as well, which definitely helps.

"I've played 20-odd games, or whatever it is now, which is always good. It helps you progress and, obviously coming here and getting games and minutes, is a big thing for me.

"You're hungry for it. You want to keep pushing yourself and playing; it's a big thing in football.

"I played seven or eight in the Premier League in the season we got relegated, and then 14 or 15 last year in the Championship. There's a wee bit of experience there in this league, knowing how tough it is."

That experience, particularly in the top flight, is something Sharp, who made his debut in Saturday's win over Airdrieonians, believes will stand him in good stead for the season ahead.

"It's the top league; it's where you want to be in this country, playing at that level, playing against your Celtic, Rangers, Hibs, Hearts," he said.

"You do take a lot of experience from it, and you can learn a lot from playing those teams.

"Just knowing your backline, your midfield, who's in front of you...getting to know them quick is a big thing, obviously, and building relationships with them.

"I like to speak a lot, keep it simple with simple shouts for the defence. It's good when players are speaking, helping each other out, and giving little pointers here and there throughout the game.

"I think that will give me a boost, knowing that I've played at this level before."