O’Dea set for a recall at Saints

DUNDEE skipper Darren O’Dea is set to return at the heart of the defence for S u n d a y ’s lunchtime kick-off at St Johnstone.

The influential defender missed l ast Saturday’s defeat at Hearts after a recurrence of a foot injury in the game against Killie over a month ago.

He was given the all clear earlier in the week and is believed to be available for the clash at McDiarmid Park.

His i nclusion i n the squad gives manager Paul Hartley defensive options with Kevin Holt being able to move to wing-back if the boss sees fit.

This could see Kosta Gadzhalov retain his place in the centre of defence, beside O’Dea and Kevin Gomis, after doing well against Hearts.

That just leaves long-term absentee James McPake, who started light training this week, and Nicky Low on the injury list at Dens Park.

Low only returned to the starting line-up i n t he defeat at Inverness at the end of l ast month but missed the Hearts game due to an ankle problem.

It is another setback for the former Aberdeen player who has been unfortunate with i njuries since his arrival at Dens.

Meanwhile, Marcus Haber has been given until the weekend to prove he i s worthy of a contract with the club.

The big striker would bolster a frontline t hat hasn’t been clinical enough and bring added competition should the manager decide to sign him.

Darren O’Dea has struggled with a foot injury lately.