Dee hoping to plunder US for talent

DUNDEE are planning to plunder the United States for top young talent to bolster their improving youth set-up.

The Dundee Juniors of Central Texas has been a project running since American owner Tim Keyes and managing director John Nelms took control of the club.

The set-up in Austin has been steadily growing and Dark Blues coach and former skipper James McPake is out there right now working with the youngsters.

Speaking to the Tele, McPake admits he’ll be “outside his comfort zone” as he puts the kids through their paces in the strong Texan sun.

He is tasked with heading a training camp over there as well as picking out some players good enough to come across and join his U/18 squad over in Dundee.

He said: “Last year I spent some time over here with Tim Keyes and John Nelms just having a look at things.

“The club have held camps over here every year, certainly since Tim and John have been at the club.

“This time it’s a bit different because it’s an ID camp – I’ll be doing some training sessions and, hopefully, we can pick a couple to come across to Dundee and train with our U/18s.

“I went last year just to have a look at what goes on but this time I’ll be coaching.

“The facilities are great over there, too, it’s a great place to go to – though I’ll be needing to put on factor 500 with the heat!

“We’ll be coaching in about 42 degrees instead of the minus two at Riverside with the wind in your face.”

It might seem strange to some to see a whole squad of youngsters all training in Dundee kit in the middle of Texas but McPake is delighted to help “spread the name” of the club as much as possible.

“The kids are all kitted out in Dundee gear and they love it,” he added.

“Being part of a big club like Dundee is something they really enjoy and the club have done it really