Mccann’s ‘nice’ derby headache

Allan and O’dea available for selection as boss faces dilemma

Dundee boss Neil Mccann will have the luxury of a full squad to choose from for tomorrow’s crunch Tayside derby with St Johnstone.

The 43-year-old had feared that knocks picked up against Rangers at Ibrox last weekend would leave him short of options. However, everyone – including midfielder Scott Allan who was withdrawn shortly before half-time in Glasgow because of a groin strain – has fully recovered.

That leaves Mccann with a “nice” selection headache with even the likes of skipper Darren O’dea not guaranteed a return to the starting line-up.

The manager said last night: “I didn’t think we would have a full squad after last weekend because we picked up a few knocks but everyone trained.”

Mccann continued: “Scott Allan is fit. He’s maybe one we have to monitor a bit but he’s been training.

“Sofien Moussa did well to play last week because he had been out for four weeks but he gave us everything even though we hadn’t expected him to last as long as he did.

“Darren O’dea is back as well. He played 45 minutes for the Under-20s in midweek.

“There will be a decision to make there because I’m not scared to play young boys and we showed that at Ibrox.

“We went to Hamilton and left Kerr Waddell out because I felt that was right to do, just like I felt it was right to play Jack Hendry and Kerr at Ibrox.

“So we will do what we feel is right. The good thing is we have the strength in numbers. We had six centre-backs training today so once they are all gameready that will give us loads of options.”

Dundee will try to break their league duck and hopefully lift themselves off the bottom of the table by beating St Johnstone.

Mccann admitted that will be easier said than done against a Saints side he believes more than makes the most of their modest resources.

He added: “St Johnstone have been so consistent and hard to beat over the years. There is a reason for that because they have knowledge of where they should be on the pitch. That is a model most clubs are looking at.

“Without being disrespectful, they are a modest club with a modest squad but they really know their jobs and each other’s jobs.

“They have added Michael O’halloran, who is direct and quick, and obviously they have Steven Maclean the old warhorse up front who gives people trouble.

“We have worked on St Johnstone and how they might play, but more importantly we have worked on ourselves.”

Captain Darren O’dea played for the U20s in midweek.