The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Cummings Dee-lighted to be back in Scotland
James Mcpake is adamant Dundee will be a “different team” when they get their new signings bedded in and key players back to fitness.
The Dark Blues were shorn of a host of experienced options in defence for Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Raith Rovers that ended a run of eight games without a loss.
With Jordon Forster and Jordan Mcghee already missing, Liam Fontaine failed a late fitness test at
Stark’s Park and Lee Ashcroft reported for duty hampered by an ear infection.
It meant baptisms of fire for fresh faces Malachi Fagan-walcott and Sam Fisher at the heart of a makeshift rearguard and Mcpake insists the teenage duo deserve credit for their performances.
But with new signings Paul Mcmullan and Jason Cummings also lacking time to get used to their new surroundings and team-mates, Mcpake is expecting better from his side at home to Inverness Caley Thistle this weekend.
He said: “I was a wee bit worried about the Raith game, if I’m being honest.
“Jason had one day’s training, Mal had one day’s training, Paul Mcmullan had a couple of days’ training.
“Lee Ashcroft has a bit of an ear infection and, credit to the big man, was wanting to play.
“But he turned up for the game and he could hardly walk straight never mind play.
“Liam Fontaine was ready to play and missed out, just, so we’ll have him back for next week and hopefully we’ll have Ashcroft back for next week.
“That would have made a difference – and that’s not taking anything away from the young kids who played; it was great experience for them.
“But Jason getting some minutes was needed, and getting Paul a good hour was needed – and I thought he looked really good.
“He looked sharp, he looked bright and that’s the Paul Mcmullan I want to see more of.
“So, when we get those players firing we’ll be a different team.
“We tried to squeeze a lot into training on Friday, on the way we were going to play, and I think it looked a bit mixed up.
“But we certainly will be better when we get time to work with the players, on the training pitch, first and foremost.”
Mcpake admitted: “I think the better team won the game.
“Raith are a good team and they proved it at Tynecastle last week. The bugbear is we conceded from two set-plays and we need to nail that down.
“We’ve got a big couple of weeks coming up and we need to react, and react in a positive manner.”