16-year-old Fin is an inspiration to Dundee kids
At any other club, Callum Moore might be pushing to go out on loan.
But Finlay Robertson’s rise to stardom has every Dens Park kid dreaming of following in his footsteps.
Moore has had to bide his time for a firstteam opportunity this season, with a substitute appearance against Aberdeen in the Betfred Cup his sole run-out.
Robertson, meanwhile, has shone in midfield for James McPake’s first-team since stepping up from the reserves.
Moore, who has been skippering the Dark Blues’ second string, is chuffed to bits for his fellow teen.
And he hopes to seize his own chance in the limelight today when Dundee face Elgin City in the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup.
“The thing about the manager is he’s happy to give young players a chance. He’s been really good,” said Moore.
“Finlay has gone in and done really well this season.
“Seeing him inspires the rest of us. It shows us that the pathway is there.
“I’ve played a fair bit with Fin over the last few years, and he has always stood out.
“There were a few others too, but Fin got his chance and has taken it.
“The Cup games are a chance for me to stake a claim this season.
“I’ve not played a lot so far, but hopefully in this tournament there’s a chance for me and other young boys to get out there.”
At 19, Moore is at an age where regular first-team football would aid his development.
Many youngsters head out on loan to get it.
But Moore is content to hang around – at least for now – to see whether an opportunity presents itself under McPake, whom he played under last season for the Dee’s reserves.
“Going on loan has crossed my mind, but I want to see how the start of this season goes,” said the 19-year-old.
“I got an injury, so I haven’t had the best of luck. But I just need to get on with it and see what happens.
“The manager has said he will play younger players if we deserve a chance.
“We just have to train as hard as we can every day and Finlay getting his chance shows there’s a chance for the rest of us.
“It’s been easier for the young players having the manager there because you can have a laugh with him.
“He knows what he wants out of us too, and he lets us know, which is good.
“The manager hasn’t changed, he’s demanding, but it’s what the young boys need.”