Dark Blues boss delighted to see striker leading by example

Dark Blues manager delighted by Miller’s contributions on park and influence on rest of squad on the training pitch

Dundee boss Jim McIntyre admits Kenny Miller’s natural enthusiasm helps ensure he remains a potent striker even as he approaches his 39th birthday.

The former Scotland star will reach that milestone on December 23 but he continued to belie his advanced footballing years when he netted against Rangers on Sunday at Dens.

The front man was quickest to react to a long ball from the back to nip in and score past keeper Allan McGregor with the goal ultimately securing a draw for the 10-man Dark Blues.

It was Miller’s sixth counter in just four games and while his legs may not have the pace they once possessed, McIntyre insists his mind remains as sharp as ever.

The manager said: “Kenny is doing fantastically well and is leading by example every day on the training ground.

“He has that enthusiasm whether it is the warm-up or a wee touch of the ball in ball skills, he does everything the way it should be done.

“That’s why he is still playing at his age and doing what he is doing.

“I thought his goal was just a punt up the park but he reacts quicker because he is really switched on upstairs and he puts it away great.

“So I am delighted with his contribution.”

Meanwhile, Genseric Kusunga is happy that Dundee are no longer the team that everybody wants to face.

He said: “It’s good to hear that other teams don’t want to play us.

“Before, everyone wanted to play us to take confidence. Now it has turned around, but we need to continue.

“It is good to have confidence – but not too much.

“We have to still work, work, work and not feel that we are there because we drew and won one game.

“We have to stay focused and hoepfully we can get some good results before the break.”

Kusunga added: “We had to work hard with 10 men for the draw with Rangers.

“It was a massive game for us and to take a point was the most important thing. It was important for our confidence.

“The road is a long one and we need to focus on the next game and the many games we have in December where we need to get points.”

Individual responsibility is at the heart of Dundee’s revival, according to Kusunga.

He said: “Before we could always say that we didn’t win because of one mistake.

“But you need to take responsibility and that is what we have done.”

Picture: SNS Group. Kenny Miller: six goals in four games as he approaches his 39th birthday.