| Jocky is delighted by the number of his players pushing hard for inclusion in the starting line up when the competitive action starts with Stranraer’s Co-Op Cup visit this Saturday and, more importantly, against Morton in the league a week later.
That won’t stop him looking to add to the strength in depth at Dens, and this week could see him secure a couple of players for the defensive areas.
“If you look at our draw against Aberdeen on Saturday, only one player played the 90 minutes — Eddie Malone at left-back,” said the gaffer.
“If anything was to happen to Eddie, I could use Craig Forsyth in there, but I see him as one for further forward and I think his performance at the weekend showed why.
“Because of that, if I can — and it’s still an ‘if’ right now — I’ll bring someone in as cover and to provide a bit of competition for Eddie and also maybe someone who can play in other defensive areas.”
Even in advance of signings No. 10 and 11, Jocky was forced to admit he is happy with the depth of his squad.
“On Saturday, and this is something a Dundee manager has not been able to do for a long time, I was able to pretty much change the whole team at half time and not affect the quality of our play,” he added.
“That really pleased me and to see so many players who I know can do a job if they are in the starting line-up is great.
“It’s left me with some hard decisions to make when it comes to picking the teams for Stranraer and Morton.
“That’s what I want and the nightmare for me would have been a squad with 11 players who knew they’d start every week and the rest knowing they’d be subs.”
Tonight, the Dark Blues embark on another two-games-in-24-hours schedule when they play Arbroath at Gayfield. Rather than Saturday’s wholesale changes at half-time, Jocky will use one set of players for this game and another for tomorrow’s visit to Forfar.
“Rab Douglas had no problem with his calf-stroke-Achilles on Saturday, but he strained his stomach, so he’ll sit out tonight and play tomorrow.
“Likewise, Dave Cowan and Pat Clarke are not quite ready for Arbroath, but I’m hoping they will make Forfar.”
Tonight starting line-up — Bullock; Casement, Benedictus, Lauchlan, Forsyth; McHale, Paton, Cameron; Hart, Higgins, Antoine-Curier.
Dee 4 Life hope to re-arrange the Fun Day, postponed yesterday because of the poor weather, for next month. |
