| Dods has not played in the SPL since the opening defeat at Hamilton Accies and that’s prompted interest from Inverness Caley Thistle.
Craig, though, does not expect to see the 33-year-old, or anyone else for that matter, leaving soon.
“Craig Brewster did phone me because he saw Darren was out of the team, but I told him I am happy with him and, as far as I am concerned, that’s that,” he said.
“Darren did not have a good game at Hamilton and I made a change, but he has been an important player for us and that has not changed.”
Dods was Craig Brewster’s skipper during his first spell as manager in the Highlands and several times during his brief stint as United boss attempts were made to bring him to Tannadice.
Ironically, Dods then agreed to make that switch shortly after Craig Levein’s arrival and, unless there is a drastic change between now and Monday night, he will not be making the return journey.
His current gaffer understands his absence even from the bench, until his return to skipper the side in the Co-Op Cup at Cowdenbeath on Tuesday, may have fuelled speculation over his future.
He has again stressed, however, that situation is to do with tactics and nothing else.
“I don’t see Darren being on the bench as a big issue for him. He plays centre-half and nowhere else, whereas I have Sean Dillon, Michael Kovacevic and Danny Grainger who can all play at full-back or in the middle, so they give me more options.”
Looking at the transfer window in general, Craig is certain there will be no new first-team arrivals and almost as sure about departures.
“Right now, I would say the squad I have today is the squad I’ll have at midnight on Monday. I am not bringing anyone in and I have no plans to let anyone go.
“The one thing I would add is that I am experienced enough to know you can’t control what others do and there is always the chance someone will move for one of your players. If that happens, I’ll deal with it.”
Turning to other matters, he was pleased to see Andis Shala get on the scoresheet for the reserves last night, even though they went down 3-1 to Celtic at Station Park.
“Of all the players I brought in over the summer, Andis is the one who is taking longest to settle into the way of things here,” he added.
“That hasn’t surprised me because he is young and does not have the first-team experience of the rest, but he is working very hard and I am happy with his progress — getting a goal will do him good.
“I think you will see him use this season to learn about our game and we’ll take things from there.”
Young keeper John Gibson has joined striker Johnny Russell on loan at Forfar. The 19-year-old will remain at Station Park until the end of the year. |
