After sickbed struggle

For Dee’s seaside trip

KANE Hemmings has recovered from illness in time for Dundee’s vital double-header with Ayr, James McPake has confirmed.

The Dark Blues’ t op scorer sat out their midweek draw with Alloa after falling ill.

But the bad news for their latest opponents, the Honest Men, is that Hemmings will be available for selection at Somerset Park tomorrow.

“Just having Kane back in your squad and available is crucial for our club,” said McPake.

“Without him, you take away his goals, his hold-up play, his bullying of defences, which is really good, and he is great to work with.

“Kane was ill and lost a lot of weight but to have him back in the group is good.

“He is loud and a great guy to have about the squad.

“He is a good character and to have him back in the side is big.

“When people look at our team he is one of the first names that other teams will be looking at hoping he doesn’t play.”

Meanwhile, Jordan Marshall’s recovery from a severe thigh strain i s progressing well.

The full-back has not featured for the Dark Blues since their 2-0 defeat to Dunfermline at the end of January.

His manager revealed he is healing quickly.

However, no risks will be taken in terms of pressing the former Queen of the South man back i nt o action.

“It’ll be another 10 days and he will be re-scanned,” McPake said.

“Jordan i s ahead of schedule, as he normally is.

“He works hard but we have to be cautious because it could be a dangerous one if we don’t get it right.”