The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Striker Cillian Sheridan tipped to shine at Dens
Dundee are set to welcome striker Cillian Sheridan back into contention for tomorrow’s trip to Motherwell.
The Republic of Ireland international missed the last two matches with a groin problem but returned to training this week.
He will, though, have some work to dislodge free scoring Jason Cummings in the Dark Blues attack.
Former Hibs man Cummings has netted five times already this season while Sheridan is yet to get off the mark.
The 32-year-old has only made one start since arriving last month but can be an “outstanding” signing for Dundee this season according to assistant boss Dave Mackay.
Sheridan spent two loan spells at St Johnstone while learning the ropes at Celtic where he played with the Dens No 2.
And Mackay insists Dundee fans haven’t seen Sheridan in full flow yet.
“Cillian brings a bit of everything. He still has pace, he was very, very quick when I played with him,” said Mackay.
“He offers a threat in behind but can be excellent in the air as well.
“On his day, Cillian can be outstanding. I’ve obviously not seen as much of him since he’s been abroad but he’s learned a lot tactically.
“I think a fit Cillian Sheridan can offer an awful lot to us in this league.
“There has been a change in him but it’s been a long time since I played with him, the best part of a decade. He has matured since then and seems a different character. He really thinks about his football and looks after himself incredibly well, being vegan and with his stretching – he’s obviously learned a lot on his travels.
“He’s a great guy, easy to get on with and that’s something we make sure of when bringing players in.
“The fact I know Cillian, Gordon (Strachan) knows him and a few others, too, it was never going to be a risk bringing him in.
“We always make sure we do our checks on someone because the last thing we want is someone to come in and upset a really good dressing-room.”
Sheridan has been a jetsetter throughout his footballing career, playing in Bulgaria, Poland, Israel,
Cyprus and New Zealand. Mackay reckons that worldly wisdom has made Sheridan a better player since he played with him back in 2012.
“He was just a young kid. At the time I thought he was a bit inconsistent in his play,” added Mackay.
“On his day he was unplayable – I remember we played Rangers at McDiarmid and he tore them to shreds, we won 4-1 or something.
“You could see why he was at Celtic and why other clubs were looking at him.
“Other days he maybe didn’t quite live up to his potential.
“I do think his trips abroad and the different countries he’s sampled he has improved so much as an all-round player and a person.”