| Although he has had just two games back after almost a year out with serious knee trouble, Wilkie has been strongly linked with a move to Leicester City, either in the present transfer window or when his Dens contract expires in the summer.
For the time being at least, though, he is putting his own future down his list of priorities, and the Dark Blues fight to avoid relegation at the top.
He’s also brushed aside the disappointment of Saturday’s Scottish Cup exit at Hibs to focus on what he regards as more vital business with fellow-SPL strugglers Inverness Caley at Dens this weekend.
“People have been asking me about the Leicester thing and my future, but, to be honest, I think it is more important to be thinking about the league and doing something about our position,” said Wilkie.
“We are at the bottom and want to get off as soon as possible. That means trying to get a win against Inverness Caley. They are down near us and it is games against them and teams like Livingston and Dundee United that we need to be winning to get away from the bottom.
“From my point of view, I have also only had two games back since being out for 11 months and I have to be thinking about getting my fitness and touch back before I start looking further into the future.”
Although Dundee went down to two late goals at Easter Road, Wilkie gave a strong display at the heart of the defence. Even so, he still believes he needs a few more games to get 100% match fit.
“I was a bit tired by the end of Saturday and there are still wee things I notice I am having problems with that I wouldn’t if I had been playing regularly. It’s frustrating, but my knee is feeling fine, and the other things will come with the more games I play.”
While it has been a bleak time for the Dark Blues and defeat in the cup was painful, Wilkie still believes the team can avoid the drop.
“I think the big difference between the teams at Hibs was confidence. They have got plenty just now and it showed, whereas ours is a bit down. Everyone, though, gave 100% and fought really hard. They missed a few chances, but maybe in the end we were a wee bit unlucky not to get a replay.
“To take positives from it, we can now concentrate on doing better in the league and, if we show the same commitment as we did on Saturday, we can do it.”
Meanwhile, Brent Sancho was unable to train today as his knee was swollen after the cup-tie. |
