Johnson says patience is vital

Striker confident of breaking down Alloa – given time

Dundee’s Danny Johnson says patience could be key for the home players and fans when Alloa visit this afternoon.

The Dark Blues are looking to get back on track after the double whammy blow of losing the derby to Dundee United followed by last week’s embarrassing defeat on their own pitch to League 2 Elgin City in the Challenge Cup.

Peter Grant’s Wasps, another parttime team, will be buoyed by the fact they have won their last two games, at Queen of the South and Dunfermline.

Striker Johnson is confident his team can halt Alloa’s run but cautioned it may take time to break them down, and hopes the fans will stick by the team even if frustration sets in.

The 26-year-old former Motherwell frontman said: “Yes, we all have to remain patient, players as well.

“We are confident we can break them down and get a result depending on how long that takes.

“But we all need to stick together and know that what we are doing is going to work. If we do that, then I am sure it will be a good result.

“You can’t underestimate anyone in this league. You could see what it was like last year, how tight it was. I can see it being that way again this season.

“There are no easy games in this league so you have to be right on it. Teams will battle and scrap for those three points.

“We have to win that battle against Alloa and get a run going now.”

After four games of the Championship campaign Dundee are already seven points behind league leaders United, and Johnson admits even at this early stage it is vital that gap is closed.

He added: “It was very disappointing at the derby but that is gone now along with the cup game last week.

“We have a good sequence of games now where we need to put a run together and get the season properly going.

“There’s still a long time to go in the season but you don’t want to leave it too long and we need to start closing that gap now.

“We are more than capable of doing that. There are lots of games left but we need to get going as soon as possible.”

Summer signing Johnson was rested for last week’s game against Elgin but he is refreshed and raring to go again.

However, he will be taking nothing for granted in terms of team selection, especially with two other top strikers in Kane Hemmings and Andrew Nelson at the club.

Johnson said: “I was just rested last week.

“You obviously want to be playing but it is a squad game and a long season.

“I have come to the club and played the last five or six games.

“You have to get used to your teammates and surroundings so last week was a good chance to refresh myself and get ready to go again this week.

“There are three strikers here who are all dying to play.

“We are all capable of scoring goals and working hard every game.

“So you have to be on the top of your game each week.

“Even in training, you can’t afford to have a down day because if someone else has a good day then they will put themselves back in the spotlight to get that position.

“You have to be on it every day making sure you are banging in the goals.

“I think there has been a little bit said about me playing as a lone striker but I feel I can do that.

“I do prefer playing as a two, playing off someone.

“That’s what I’ve done everywhere I have been but I can play that lone role – I am not adverse to anything.”