PLYING his trade in different parts of the globe was a career goal Dean Shiels has now ticked off his list.

But while one ambition has been realised, the Pars new boy has high hopes of fulfilling another – which is to help Allan Johnston's side back to Scotland's top flight.

The 32-year-old joined Athletic last Monday on a one-year deal after leaving North American Soccer League outfit FC Edmonton and made his debut in the Betfred Cup tie at East Fife 24 hours later.

Shiels, who has won 14 caps for Northern Ireland, can count former Pars boss Stephen Kenny's Dundalk, Hibernian, Kilmarnock and Rangers among his former clubs, helping the latter to the Premiership from the bottom tier during a four-year spell.

Speaking to Press Sport, he revealed he relished the opportunity to try his luck abroad but was sold on a move to East End after speaking with his new manager.

"It was a great experience for me (moving to Canada) and I always wanted to go and play abroad," Shiels commented.

"Since I left Rangers, I've played in some brilliant places in Europe and in North America. I'd been in Scotland and England for a long time so I wanted a new way of life, a new experience, and it certainly was that.

"I've played in Russia, Tel Aviv, Miami and New York, so it's been a great experience to play a new type of football in different cities with different cultures. I wanted to go away and do that, and I'm happy I did.

"I think most footballers want to experience something new and I would encourage any player to do that as much as they can in their career.

"Obviously I was coming back to the UK and I spoke to the manager here about coming. I was quite impressed by what he had to say and I just couldn't wait to get it signed and get started.

"Speaking to a couple of people at the club, I know there's ambitious people here who want to do well and get promoted, so I want to win the league here.

"Whether we can do that or not, I think that's got to be the aim."

Shiels is certainly no stranger to Dunfermline fans, having played against them frequently while with Hibs and, latterly, Rangers.

He even netted a hat-trick – and revealed he still has the match ball – from a painful 4-0 Scottish Cup exit the Pars endured in Govan back in 2014 and laughed: "That was a good moment; I've still got the ball in the house but I'll keep that quiet!

"I played against them a lot with Hibs when they were in the Premier League. They've always been a tough team to play against and it's a hard place to come.

"I think this is a Premier League club and standards have to bet set. They have to be focused on getting promotion; I don't think we should turn up and just hope for the best every week."

The attacking midfielder played under former Pars full back Colin Miller – who won the First Division with the club in 1996 – but it was a current player who helped convince him that East End was the best place for him to begin the next stage of his career.

He added: "Colin was great with me over there; he's a good manager and has done a good job for that club. Obviously I know his connection with Rangers and Dunfermline – he told me all about it, many times!

"He told me a bit about Dunfermline but didn't go into too much detail. I spoke to Nicky (Clark) a few times before I managed to get things sorted, so that helps, someone who knows the club and explains how things are. That helped me settle in in my first couple of days.

"I'll need to work hard to try and do what the manager wants, and to score goals and create goals. Whatever instructions he gives me I'll try to follow them as best I can.

"I know the club; I've played against them many times and I've always enjoyed coming here and playing. It's perfect for me at this time."