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DUNDEE DERBY COUNTDOWN Fyvie can’t wait for a debut battle with his old pal Scott
FIERY Fraser Fyvie last night declared himself ready for a Dundee derby debut – then revealed he can’t wait for another running battle with Scott Allan.
The midfielder is gearing up for tomorrow night’s televised Betfred Cup last-16 clash after joining Dundee United last Friday.
The 24-year-old former Hibs, Aberdeen and Wigan midfielder didn’t make Ray McKinnon’s squad for Saturday’s Championship opener, a 1-0 win at Inverness Caley Thistle, but is steeling himself for a baptism of fire at Dens Park.
And Fyvie admits the prospect of locking horns again with former Hibees teammate Allan, who moved to Tayside with Neil McCann’s men this summer, is spurring him on.
He said: “Dundee are a good side and Scotty is going to be creative for them throughout the season.
“I played with him at Hibs and he was fantastic for us. He got his move to Celtic at that time and he was a bit unfortunate there. He’s gone out on loan to prove a point.
“He’s a good player and Scott and I were always at each other in training. I always want to try my best against good players so I look forward to facing him if I get the chance and I’m sure we’ll have another tussle.”
Fyvie was forced to endure an uncertain summer after leaving Easter Road at the end of last season following a two-year spell in Leith.
Now the red-haired midfield man is focusing on hitting the ground running for the Tangerines.
He added: “It’s been a long summer so it’s good to get it all sorted. It’s been great to train with the boys. I had been in training at Aberdeen for the last four weeks and I’d like to thank Derek McInnes for that.
“I’m up to speed so if the gaffer wants to chuck me in that’s up to him. I’d be happy with that. We will need to see where I am.
“But I feel fit and ready. I’d last 60 or 70 minutes no problem but it’s after that it becomes questionable because I have not played for a few months now.”
Fyvie’s arrival leaves Tannadice manager McKinnon with plenty to ponder as he prepares to pick his starting line-up for the tie at Dens.
James Keatings, Patrick N’Koyi, Stewart Murdoch and Willo Flood were already available after injury, while striker Scott McDonald and defender Mark Durnan are free from suspension with both expected to start against Dundee.
McKinnon said: “It’s hard to gauge where he is in terms of playing but Fraser looked so good in training. He’s a top player – a Premiership player, easily.
“He has a bit of bite about him, can dig in, pass it and get past people. He has everything as a midfielder and that’s why I was delighted to sign him.
“Now it’s about whether or not we think he’s able to start. Players like him and Scott are experienced and know their own bodies.
“As a team we will need to be bang at it. We might make changes.”
United earned the bragging rights by defeating Dundee on a penalty shoot-out in the group stages, and McKinnon believes his side can return to Dens confident.
He said: “It’s not ideal to have our third massive away match in just a week or so but we have come through two very well. Hopefully we can get through the third.”