Striking headache for Dens manager is a welcome one

He didn’t hit those heights again in the win over Ayr United but three goals from his first three games is a start any striker would be happy with.

Andrew Nelson

Dee apps: 20 Goals: 7 Career apps: 51 Goals: 18

The former Sunderland man burst on to the scene with a superb winner at Tynecastle last season.

And he’s shown continually in his performances since that he can have a big future at Dens Park, if he keeps fit.

A flurry of energy at the top end of the park, Nelson makes life uncomfortable for defenders and has 11 goals in 35 matches in

Scottish football – a very decent return for someone only just about to turn 22.

And his winning goal in the important 1-0 victory over Ayr

United at the weekend reminded everyone at Dens Park of his ability in front of goal.

Craig Curran

Dee apps: 17 Goals: 1 Career apps: 396 Goals: 76

He may have indicated his desire to return south due to family reasons but McPake has insisted

Curran will remain part of his plans until that happens.

He’s never been a consistent goalscorer – his struggles in front of goal at Dundee are a clear example – but is a manager’s dream in terms of commitment, workrate and attitude.

Likely to be behind the others in the pecking order, however.

Backing those four up is Michael

Cunningham, a young man the

Dark Blues have high hopes for.

As it stands, Dundee’s strikers have 339 senior goals between them – a wealth of options for boss

McPake to get his head around.