Mcpake is ‘settled’ with strikeforce

James Mcpake is unlikely to dip into the free agent transfer market to bolster his striking options at Dundee for the remainder of the season.

The Dens Park boss is happy to see out the campaign with his two out-and-out strikers, Kane Hemmings and Andrew Nelson, and the versatile Paul Mcgowan.

And it would take an injury crisis to change his mind.

“I’m pretty settled, I think,” said Mcpake.

Mcpake continued: “If something pops up, it pops up, but we’re building towards next year. “It’s unlikely.

“That’s as long as players are fit. There are always what ifs but we’ve got Neller back and Gowser can play up there. Strength-wise we’re better than we were going into the Partick game.

“We tried at the end of the window (for St Mirren’s Danny Mullen) but it’s the middle of February now and everything’s focused on results.

“Kano’s been good all season. He’s getting goals, making the runs and his hold-up play is better. Maybe now it’s the team that’s starting to create chances for him and long may that continue.”

Meanwhile, both Cammy Kerr and Jordan Mcghee are on track to make quick comebacks after minor operations.

The pair could even return against Queen of the South on Saturday. “Cammy and Jordan have both been on the training ground,” Mcpake reported.

“We’ll assess it on Friday but we definitely haven’t ruled them out for Saturday. Everything is within the time frame we expected.

“That’s why we took the decision when we did, as I explained a couple of weeks ago.

“We’re looking forward to getting them back in the squad. The two of them are looking good.

“They’re both naturally fit and strong and they haven’t missed enough football for it to affect them.

“If anything the Partick game will have spurred them on.

“The competition is healthy. “Even if we had lost against Partick, though, I wouldn’t have regretted my decision.”

Jordan Marshall is “nowhere near the grass yet” but Mcpake had 21 senior players training yesterday.

“We’re in a good place as a squad,” he said.