Helped Parish to become Dee No.1

defenders. After any game they’ve won or kept a clean sheet, you see how much he gets around them.

“You do take bits here and there from different keepers over the years.”

Fans’ favourite Parish has made a big impression since his debut in a 2-1 defeat by Hibs in early November.

But the level-headed keeper insists he has a lot of work still to do to make the No.1 jersey his own, starting at Tynecastle tonight.

Parish said: “There’s a long way to go to cement the No.1 shirt.

“I’ve just got to be consistent and offer the lads, the manager and everyone support.

“There’s more to come from me. I can only see myself getting better by playing more and more games.

“In the past few matches we’ve been much more solid at the back. Now we’re difficult to break down.

The communication part of a keeper goes unnoticed sometimes but it’s massive.

“It could be a little thing like someone running off a defender and him not seeing it. It can stop so many goals at this level.”

Meanwhile, Dundee No.2 Graham Gartland believes they can bounce back after defeat by Aberdeen.

He said: “I back us going toe-to-toe with any team. Hearts are dangerous but hopefully we’ll make a game of it.”