Parish taking chance with both hands, says Douglas

Rab Douglas has praised Dundee keeper Elliot Parish for grasping his opportunity, writes Eric Nicolson.

The Englishman got his chance in goal for the Dark Blues after a bust-up between regular number one Scott Bain and manager Neil McCann in October.

Since then Parish has had three clean sheets in seven games, the most recent of which was against Partick Thistle on Saturday.

Douglas, who was a Dens Park hero in his playing days, said: “Elliot has certainly taken his opportunity with both hands.

“I met him at Dave Mackay’s testimonial and at that point Scott Bain was still the number one.

“I don’t know what’s gone on between Scott and Neil, but nobody can say that Elliot hasn’t taken his chance. That’s how it is for a back-up keeper.

“He helped earn Dundee a point against Kilmarnock and then made a few good saves against Rangers. Now he’s got a clean sheet in Dingwall and on Saturday.”

Douglas added: “Dundee fans have always been great with their keepers.

“Everybody knows about the relationship I’ve had with the supporters at Dens. Bobby Geddes was a legend before me, and they have taken Julian Speroni, Jamie Langfield and Kyle Letheren to their hearts as well.

“If Elliot keeps playing like he is, nobody will be thinking about Scott being missed, as harsh as that may sound.”

Hearts have been linked with Bain, who could be moved on when the January transfer window opens.

McCann, who has had a look at Frenchman Jeremy Malherbe on trial, has also been impressed with Parish.

He said: “Elliot has given us a lot of confidence at the back.

“That’s three clean sheets and he talks all the time to the defenders.”

Picture: SNS. Elliot Parish.