Gadzhalov is fill Dee void

KOSTA Gadzhalov can be the ideal replacement for Julen Etxabeguren when Dundee travel to play St Johnstone this weekend at McDiarmid Park.

That’s the verdict of former Dark Blues centre-half Bobby Mann, who has watched on with interest over the past few weeks as Paul Hartley’s men have battled to claim a place in the Premiership’s top six.

Back-to-back wins against Rangers and Motherwell appeared to put the Dens men firmly in the driving seat but last Wednesday’s 1-0 reverse against Partick at home knocked the wind out of their sails slightly.

Adding to their disappointment last week was the i njury suffered by Etxabeguren who had to stretchered off with what is a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon.

The Spaniard’s absence leaves a space in the heart of the Dundee defence alongside skipper Darren O’Dea for Saturday’s trip to Perth.

And Mann feels Gadzhalov should get the nod ahead Kevin Gomis as Dundee look to close the gap on their Tayside rivals to just four points.

“Gadzhalov has done OK when he’s come in and has never let the team down,” said Mann.

“I think he goes about his business quietly and is a bit of an unsung hero but I think the fans like his robust style of play.

“I thought Kevin Gomis was excellent when he first came to the club but I think he lacks a bit of pace and I’m not sure if he can cope with the physicality of Scottish Football.”

While Mann is hoping the Dark Blues can get the much-coveted top-six slot, he’d be happy just to see them keep as far away from the danger zone as possible.

“The top six would be nice but, for me, the main thing is keeping as far away from the bottom as they can.

“I originally thought 37 points would be enough to stay out of trouble but then you see Inverness beating Rangers and Hamilton beating Aberdeen, so I think Dundee will need 39-40 points to be safe.

“That won’t be easy but there is good energy in the team at the moment with Mark O’Hara and James Vincent in midfield and Craig Wighton coming in off the left-wing.

“I also think Henrik Ojamaa has done well since he came in although he

Bobby Mann during his days as a Dundee player. Kosta Gadzhalov (No 26) should get the chance to start when Dundee travel