Mccann’s mission to build El Bakhtaoui’s confidence

Neil Mccann has challenged Faissal El Bakhtaoui to find the self-belief that will make him a permanent star for Dundee.

The 24-year-old French-moroccan lit up Wednesday night’s win over Dundee United with his stunning first-half volley – an unstoppable strike off the underside of the bar to send his side on their way to a 2-1 Betfred Cup victory.

It was an emphatic display of what the former Dunfermline ace is capable of, but Mccann admits a crisis of confidence has prevented El Bakhtaoui from fulfilling his true potential following his step up from League 1 last summer.

The Dens Park boss said: “I think Fayc has got all the attributes to get into double figures this year and I want him to do that,” he said.

“I want him to feel he’s got the support of the management team, which he certainly does, and the players. Added into that, I want the fans to back him – to not get frustrated when it doesn’t come off.

“He’s a mercurial talent who will come up with a piece of magic no-one else can do. But there will be times when he misses easier chances. That’s for us to work with him and make him better. But he’s so keen to do that. I think he can shine here, but he has to believe in his own qualities.”