But for defensive lapses, Alex believes his men could have picked up a point and, despite his frustration at costly errors, he was still impressed by the contribution of centre-half Gary MacKenzie.

“I am very disappointed because our defending until Saturday was very good, but after looking in control for a long time we made bad errors and it cost us,” he said.

“I have to say, though, that once again big Gary was immense. He has been like that all season and for a big chunk of last season as well.

“People will see the result and think it is strange I’m praising a defender, but it is only being fair to highlight the influence he now has on our team.

“The great thing for me is that he is still young and improving and it’s good to have that kind of quality in our squad.”

By the time Dundee face league action again, against Dunfermline at Dens on Saturday week, Alex hopes to have the option of pairing MacKenzie with close-season signing Craig McKeown.

After a summer dogged by groin trouble, the ex-Clyde man came on for his competitive debut at Palmerston and a couple of closed-door games this week should get his match fitness up to scratch.

“We are playing an SPL side tomorrow night and a lower division team on Thursday and, if Craig comes through both without any problems, then he will be fit enough to be considered for a starting place,” confirmed the gaffer.

Colin Cameron, out since the last pre-season friendly because of a strained knee ligament, has a chance of talking part in the second of those games, but it is still too early for Jim Lauchlan or Darren Young to be considered.

Alex is not expecting to do any business prior to the transfer window closing at midnight tonight.