Graham Dorrans has scored once for Dundee - in the derby draw with United last month

Scottish Championship: Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee Venue: East End Park, Dunfermline Date: Friday, 24 January Kick-off: 19:05 GMT Coverage: Live on BBC Scotland TV

Midfielder Graham Dorrans hopes to "repay" Dundee's faith in him by helping the club earn promotion to the Scottish Premiership.

Dorrans, 32, signed a new 18-month deal at Dens Park despite holding talks with English League One side MK Dons.

He endured a long knee injury lay-off before being recruited by Dundee boss James McPake in September.

The club have also signed Wigan Athletic winger Ollie Crankshaw, 21, on loan for the remainder of the season.

Former Scotland midfielder Dorrans revealed his injury struggles made finding a new club difficult after leaving Rangers last summer.

"I spent a long time out, a lot of clubs were saying that when I spoke to them, so it was good of Dundee to give me the opportunity to get back playing," he said.

"I feel I have done that, and hopefully I can repay them in the second part of the season."

Dundee sit fourth in the second tier, 23 points adrift of city rivals and Championship leaders Dundee United, as they aim to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

"That is what I want to be part of, I want to get the club back to the Premiership," Dorrans, who has made 16 appearances this term, added.

"We know it is going to be difficult, at the minute we are pushing for a play-off place, obviously top of the league looks a bit far-fetched for us. But hopefully we can secure second place because that is the desirable spot in the play-off places."

Despite being confident Dorrans would sign a new deal, McPake admits he was "worried" given the interest from MK Dons, but believes securing the former Norwich City player is a massive boost.

"If you ask the young ones who they go to and ask the questions, then nine out of 10 of them will say Graham, just because of what he has done," the Dundee boss said.

"He has had experience at the top level, but he has also got a willingness to help, which is great and we see that as coaches."