Dens new boy Nelson praises strike partner

Unsung hero Curran behind forward’s instant impact

Dundee’s Andrew Nelson has praised strike partner Craig Curran for helping him hit the ground running with the Dark Blues – by pestering him constantly.

The 21-year-old has made a big impression since being snapped up from Sunderland last month for an undisclosed fee, netting three goals in his five appearances so far for Jim McIntyre’s side, including a double last week against Kilmarnock.

However, Nelson admits he might not have made such an instant impact if it hadn’t been for the contribution of unsung hero Curran.

Nelson said: “This is my first move in a professional environment and I don’t think I could ask for anyone better than Craig.

“He has been brilliant since I first came here.

“He is always speaking to me and on to me, making sure I am ready and up for it.

“I try to do the same with him a bit but he is brilliant.

“He is the sort of lad who will pester you constantly!

“As much as I like to do that myself, if I am running round at 100mph I struggle to settle down when I am playing.

“Whereas if he is doing that for me, I get on the ball more and that helps me settle down.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed playing alongside Craig recently.”

Nelson’s great start to his Dundee career has not gone unnoticed by Sunderland fans who have questioned why he was allowed to leave the Stadium of Light.

However, his former Black Cats Under-23 coach Elliot Dickman insists it was the right move for the player at this stage of his career.

Dickman said: “I think Andrew was ready for senior football. He’s had a couple of good loans in the past. He had a really good one at Darlington where he got some goals.

“I think for his sake it was the right thing for him to move on so good luck to Andrew.

“He’s been, from my point of view, fantastic.

“He’s done really well throughout his time in the academy but now it’s about Andrew getting a career in the game and being in an environment that’s different.

“He’s got to stand on his own two feet a bit more which will be good for him.”

Meanwhile, Dundee face Dundee United in the reserve league at Dens this afternoon. The match will kick off at 2pm. Spectators can get free entry to the main stand.

Next month, the 10th annual Dundee Hall of Fame dinner will be held at the Invercarse Hotel.

Taking place on March 29, tickets are £50 including VAT or £450 including VAT for a table of 10. For further information or to book a place, email commercial@dundeefc.co.uk

Legends already inducted into the hall of fame include Alan Gilzean, Jocky Scott, Gordon Wallace, Ian Ure, Claudio Caniggia, Bob Shankly, Barry Smith and Bobby Cox.

The hall of fame committee have compiled a list of new inductees, including an international star who will be in attendance on the night.

Picture: SNS Group. Andrew Nelson, right, celebrates one of his goals against Kilmarnock with Craig Curran.