The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
McPake admits he is not in for pal Dorrans
DUNDEE: Dark Blues look to bounce back following their recent defeats
Dundee boss James McPake admits he usually has a weekly conversation with Graham Dorrans – but there hasn’t been one about the player coming to Dens.
The former Scotland international is a free agent after leaving Rangers at the start of this month following an injuryplagued spell at Ibrox.
McPake and his first-team coach Dave Mackay know Dorrans well from their time together at Livingston but the Dundee manager distanced himself from reports yesterday that had linked him with making a bold move for the 32-yearold midfielder.
McPake said: “I think it is an easy link to make as he is one of my best friends.
“Are there conversations? Yes, there is probably a weekly conversation for the past 15 years with Graham.
“He is a great player. I played with him and against him.
“It was always going to come when he left Rangers that this would pop up with me being here and Dave being here.
“He is a great player but there has never been a conversation, even going back to the start of the summer about bringing him here.
“He was a Rangers player then and he is now out of Rangers and I am sure he is assessing his options. But I have never had a conversation about... I don’t know where the report came from, if I am honest.
“Would I love him here? Absolutely. I think every team in this league would love Graham Dorrans.”
When asked if there would be funds available from American owners Tim Keyes and John Nelms if he ultimately decided to try to bring Dorrans in, McPake replied: “I don’t know. I would need to ask which again shows you how far it is.
“I have not had a conversation with John or Tim. I am happy with the squad we have and I have been backed like they always do with managers here. Graham will probably dictate where he goes. I am sure he will have a list of clubs and he will go round and speak to them.
“He will see what is best for him and his young family.”
The squad that is already in place at Dens has been busily preparing this week for the home game against Alloa tomorrow.
The Dark Blues are looking to bounce back strongly following the recent disappointments against Dundee United and Elgin.
However, the manager acknowledged it will not be easy against Peter Grant’s part-time side who have won their last two matches on the road.
McPake added: “Alloa have been really good the last couple of years whoever the manager is. They get big results.
“That’s what we need to be very wary of as they will come here knowing they can win.
“We need to be ready for it as they are a decent side with some really good players. We are under no illusions about how difficult this game will be.”
Jamie Ness, who picked up an ankle injury against Elgin, should be OK for the Alloa game while Josh McPake and Finlay Robertson have returned from international duty with the Scotland Under-19s and will also be in the squad.