CENTURION Sean Murdoch says he never imagined he’d clock up 100 Pars appearances after leaving nine years ago.

But after reaching the milestone last Saturday – complete with yet another shut-out – the popular goalkeeper is determined that he’ll be part of a top flight Dunfermline squad during his next 100 games.

Murdoch, 31, left East End in the summer of 2008 for Hamilton – with whom he had been on loan to – after making just a handful of appearances in Athletic’s top team.

After short spells with Accrington Stanley, Hibernian and Rochester Rhinos in the United States, he returned to the Pars two years ago and has firmly established himself as boss Allan Johnston’s number one.

Speaking to Press Sport this week, Murdoch was delighted to reach his appearance landmark but has greater aspirations on his mind.

“It’s excellent for myself and a nice wee milestone, and I think I’ve kept 35 clean sheets as well,” he said.

“Over those 100 appearances, I think we’ve been pretty successful and the club is definitely in a better situation than when I first joined.

“When I left before, it was because the squad was too big and I didn’t think then I’d come back and make 100 appearances. I got the call to come back and my aim was to play regularly, which I have, and it’s great because this is a big club and I really enjoy it here.

“I have to thank the manager for that and it’s rare for any player to make 100 appearances now at any club.

“It’s on to number 101 this week and I hope it’ll be another successful 100 games to come.

“My aim is to get Dunfermline back to the Premiership; that was my aim when I first joined and I said it again when I signed my new contract. I’m sure that’s the aim of the manager and all the players.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better start and that’s down to the manager. He’s instilled a belief in us and he’s recruited really well.”

Murdoch added: “It will only get harder but we’ve made an excellent start. It reminds me of the start we made in the League One campaign; we’ve got a lot of confidence and the manager makes us believe we can win every game, and we expect to win.

“It’s different to last season where we knew we’d be in for a difficult game, and we need to keep that mindset.

“If we maintain our form that will give us a right good chance but we need to keep focused and not get complacent.”