| The 27-year-old arrived at Dens Park today on a week’s trial after failing to land a deal with Hearts. Gilbert, a left-sided central defender, is of Scottish/South African heritage, and began his career at St Johnstone before helping East Fife to the Third Division title in 2002-03.
He signed for Africa’s biggest club side, Johannesburg’s Kaiser Chiefs, in 2008 before being released this summer.
Dens boss Gordon Chisholm today confirmed Gilbert’s arrival, saying, “Gordon’s in. I saw him on Tuesday night with Hearts and he did really well. They had him for three weeks, and by all accounts, he acquitted himself well, but I think what’s happened is Hearts’ squad is just too big.
“The boy played for Kaiser Chiefs who are a huge club, so he’s got the experience we’re after.”
He also suggested fans may get a glimpse of Gilbert on Tuesday, saying, “He trained with the boys today and did fine. We’ve got a game against Forfar on Tuesday and I’ll probably play him in that.”
Meanwhile, Dundee have knocked back a bid from Hamilton for striker Mickael Antoine-Curier. He spent last season on loan with the New Douglas Park outfit after falling out with former Dens boss Jocky Scott.
Current gaffer Chisholm, however, views the 27-year-old Guadeloupe international as a vital part of his side and hopes his goals can help propel the Dark Blues towards promotion.
“I don’t want Mickael to leave,” he said. “I’ve stated that since the day I walked in the door and he wasn’t even here at the time. He was at Hamilton.
“The offer was nowhere near the valuation I put on the boy. Obviously, you want players that want to stay and play for the club and Mickael hasn’t indicated he wants to leave. The offer’s been turned down.”
Chis refused to put a firm figure on his valuation of Antoine-Curier, adding, “All I’ll say is Hamilton’s offer was unacceptable. His goals are worth far more to Dundee than that.”
Gordon also said Leigh Griffiths has a massive part to play in securing promotion this season.
Speculation surrounding the striker has been rife all summer, with SPL suitors St Johnstone apparently at the front of the queue to poach him away from Dens.
However, Chis today moved to dismiss such speculation in a move that is sure to please supporters ahead of this Saturday’s Alba Challenge Cup season opener against Alloa. |
