Dan Oyegoke is ready to make his mark at City, with the defender relishing the return to competitive action after using the international break to continue settling into life with the Imps.
The deadline day arrival has had extra time on the training ground to get to grips with his new surroundings, having missed pre-season and the opening weeks of the campaign before making the move to LN5.
Now, with a busy run of fixtures ahead, Oyegoke is eager to get going and show supporters what he can bring to the team.
He said: “I'm buzzing! It's been so long since the last game.
“For fans it must feel even more crazy because at least we've been here training and preparing, but I'm really excited to get back to playing games.”
The defender has spent the international break working hard with his new teammates and building his understanding of what the coaching staff expect from him on the pitch.
He believes that additional time has been valuable after arriving so late in the transfer window, allowing him to take in the information provided by the coaches and build confidence in his own game.
“They were really good, feeding me with a lot of information. It's just a short time to get it in and then it's about trusting myself as well.
“I think that's the biggest thing when you come into a new club with a short turnaround - just trust yourself that you know what's best, and on the pitch make those decisions and earn it.”
Self-belief has been a defining feature of Oyegoke's career so far, with the defender taking opportunities across different clubs and environments as he continues to develop.
After starting in the Arsenal Academy, Oyegoke moved to Brentford and has since made career moves to Scottish Premiership side Hearts and Italian side Hellas Verona.
Those experiences have helped shape his approach, and he is determined to bring that confidence into his time with City.
He said: “Looking on paper and seeing all the teams looks a bit mad, but there was a bit of a method to the madness.
“I've come away with crazy experiences, great experiences, a lot of learnings and it's just built me as a man, as a player. I wouldn't change it for the world.”
Having experienced football away from home, including a spell in Italy, Oyegoke has also welcomed the opportunity to settle back in England and be closer to friends and family.
He has already been made to feel at home in Lincoln, praising the welcome he has received since arriving at the club.
“Everyone in Lincoln's been amazing with me, so I'm happy. I couldn't be happier at the minute."
