Postponement time with Dens

JAMES McPake admits this week’s postponement of Dundee’s Championship clash at Raith Rovers came at a good time for his squad.

The Dark Blues are in a good vein of form after going seven games unbeaten in all competitions and winning their last four, even if it took extra-time against Bonnyrigg on Saturday.

Normally that would mean they’d want to keep the ball rolling according to the Dens gaffer but he is thankful for some extra time on his hands this week.

Last night’s trip to Kirkcaldy was put back after Raith’s cup clash with Stirling Albion was postponed at the weekend.

Dundee would likely have been missing a few bodies with the right-back position in particular a concern.

Central defender Lee Ashcroft stepped into that role for the cup match with Bonnyrigg Rose at the weekend with McPake’s first three options unavailable.

Christie Elliott has been firstchoice all season but an old ankle injury had flared up and the decision to treat that was made with the knowledge Cammy Kerr was ready and waiting.

However, Kerr was ruled out due to Covid-19 rules along with Declan McDaid while McGhee, who has played that position throughout his career, was also out with an ankle knock picked up against Hearts.

McPake said: “We are playing well and we want to be playing all the time. Watching Saturday back there was a lot of good stuff.

“We are in a good place but maybe it is a good thing now we have a bit of extra time this week. It gives time for Christie Elliott to train, for Jordan McGhee to do the same and we will have Cammy Kerr and Declan McDaid back so the squad will be full.

“It probably has worked out well to have a game off, to be honest.

“It is catch-22 because we want to play all the time but we also want to play when we are strong.”

New rules from the SFA and SPFL’s Joint Response Group after the suspension of all football below the Championship come into play ahead of the weekend clash with Ayr United.

Second-tier clubs now have to test their player for coronavirus every week but McPake insists there won’t be too much changing

James McPake was happy to see his side get a breather this week. Jordan McGhee (left) and Christie Elliott have been battling to shake off