Key derby role for Dee skipper Adam

Whether on the grass or in the stands, Charlie Adam will have a pivotal part to play as Dundee attempt to claim derby glory at Tannadice.

Adam, 35, was initially slated to be absent until October after suffering a groin injury in the recent 1-0 defeat against Motherwell.

That would have seen the boyhood Dundee fan miss out on the clash with United, the Premier Sports Cup quarterfinal against St Johnstone and the upcoming visit of ex-club Rangers.

However, Dee boss James McPake revealed yesterday that Adam is making a remarkable recovery and could be in contention for Sunday’s derby.

But should he fail to prove his fitness, the ex-Liverpool and Scotland playmaker will be dispatched to the stands with a microphone and earpiece, feeding tactical advice to the Dundee coaching staff.

It is a role he carried out in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Livingston — and relished.

“The manager wants me to be in the stand and giving information; seeing things as they progress in the game,” Adam told Courier Sport.

“Coaching and management is my next step and the manager is helping me towards that. You are always learning.

“I’m seeing a different side of things on a match day. Ordinarily you would come in, get changed and go out there.

“Whereas, I’m seeing the hard work that goes into preparing for a game and the small details which can make a big difference.

“It gives you a different perspective and different ideas. Hopefully, some valuable information.”

Speaking prior to McPake’s declaration that he could have a part to play on Sunday, Adam said: “I’ll have the earpiece and microphone — so I’ll just need to try not to get too excited if we score!”

Adam has confessed to a sense of relief after learning that surgery would not be required on the damage he sustained at Fir Park.

“I went to see the surgeon because they thought the tendon might have come off the bone,” explained Adam.

“There’s a relief that it didn’t require surgery because, at that point, you are looking at 12 weeks. It feels OK at the moment but with a muscle injury, you can’t force it.”