Dee hope to welcome McDaid back as boss takes pop at McCall

DUNDEE hope to welcome winger Declan McDaid back into contention for Friday night’s derby.

The former Ayr United man missed his first league match of the season at Partick Thistle last weekend but has been put through his paces in training already this week.

Jordan McGhee and Cammy Kerr played through the pain in the 1-0 win at Firhill while Jordan Marshall is also not 100% after his hamstring issue.

Dens gaffer James McPake said: “Declan didn’t make Saturday but has a chance after doing a lot of work in training.

“McGhee has been playing all season with his issue.

“Marshall, again, has been bubble-wrapped after getting through another 90 minutes.”

Kerr, meanwhile, is playing with a niggling knee injury.

“It is quite a difficult injury to deal with,” added James.

“He probably had his best game of the season at Firhill. He was outstanding.

“Cammy is a tough boy but the injury is something we might need to look at later on, hopefully, in the summer if we can get him that far.”

Meanwhile, the Dens gaffer took exception to Jags boss Ian McCall’s comments after Saturday’s clash. Former Dee McCall said: “They are under pressure at Dundee, so it was a huge win for them.”

James responded: “I was surprised. I don’t see any real need for him to comment on what is going on at our club.

“He can say what he wants but it was a bit strange to hear him say how Dundee were under pressure – of course we are because we are a big club.

“He should concentrate on his own team, they have their own issues being second bottom as a big club as well so it was surprising to hear him commenting on us.”

Declan McDaid missed the weekend win at Partick.