Mcpake delighted as youngsters make the most of opportunity

Dundee’s young guns may not have hit the headlines on Friday – but manager James Mcpake is delighted to see Max Anderson and Sam Fisher grab their first team chance.

A man-of-the-match display from centre-back Lee Ashcroft set the Dark Blues on their way at Alloa with two headed goals either side of half-time.

Mcpake, though, was keen to highlight the “incredible” form of young midfielder Anderson who notched his third goal in four games as he completed the 3-0 scoreline late on.

After scoring his first senior goal at the start of the month against Inverness, the 19-year-old hasn’t looked back.

Fisher also impressed alongside Ashcroft in earning Dundee’s second clean sheet in three matches.

A former centre-back himself, Mcpake was pleased to see Fisher get over “a wee shaky spell” in the game to finish strongly against in-form striker Innes Cameron.

“Lee Ashcroft was outstanding and he has been for a while,” said the Dens boss.

“And young Sam Fisher next to him as well, that’s not easy for a kid that’s probably only played 15 games in his career and just coming back from an ACL injury.

“He deserves huge credit for his performance.

“He maybe had a wee shaky spell but he dusted himself down and played his way back into the game.

“Him and Max Anderson had good nights and that’s two products from our academy. You look at Max and he’s in there ahead of senior players.”

He added: “In the last four games, he’s scored three goals and won us a penalty. He also ran almost 13km at Alloa.

“What he’s doing is incredible and he’s doing that Tuesday-friday.”