Dougall, 23, played an integral role in central defence as Sparta earned promotion to the Eredivisie last term but looks set to be move into midfield this term.

In the off-season he’s been joined by Craig Goodwin at Sparta, although the ex-Adelaide flyer has been battling shin splints in pre-season and is likely to start from the bench on Sunday (10.30pm AEST).

Speaking after a light training session on Friday, ex-Brisbane Roar NYL man Dougall said he was excited by his fresh challenges in midfield and the top tier.

“At the moment I’m in the starting line-up, so I’m happy,” Dougall told FourFourTwo.

“This season I’ll be playing more in the midfield. It’s readjusting again to playing in the midfield and making as many appearances as I can and hopefully raising my level.

“The coach sees me as a midfielder and I am a midfielder. He’s strengthened other positions and moved me into the middle which I’m happy with.

“In Holland it’s a bit different, for a midfielder to drop back it’s quite common and I’ve made the step forward again this year for whatever reason.”

Nice to see the fans today at the @SpartaRotterdam open day pic.twitter.com/kvL5nSbZSw — Kenny Dougall (@kennydougall) July 30, 2016

The newly promoted outfit couldn’t have asked for much more of a tough initiation to the top flight when they face last season’s Eredivisie runners-up.

“I think it’s good for us to straight away get a test and see where we’re at,” Dougall said.

“I fancy our chances. We’ve had a good pre-season, we’re feeling quite confident, we’re ready for Sunday.

“I think at home where we’re quite strong and we’ve kept the majority of our players from last season.

“Our starting XI has all stayed which gives us that fluidity. We’re comfortable and know what each other does.”

Dougall’s Eredivisie debut will mark a rapid rise for a player who couldn’t win an A-League contract before trying his luck in the Dutch second tier with Telstar.

“Yes and no,” Dougall said, when asked if he was pinching himself.

“I’ve worked hard to get here so in that respect it’s where I’m meant to be.

“On the other end, it’s a high level so it’s exciting. It brings more excitement than nerves.”

Dougall said Sparta’s ambition this season was to ensure their survival and anything else would be a bonus.