Toothless O’Hara epitomises spirit

DUNDEE manager Neil McCann praised midfielder Mark O’Hara after he went off at half-time in their 1-0 win over Hamilton missing his two front teeth.

The 22-year-old felt the full force of an aerial collision with Accies’ Danny Redmond after 10 minutes but powered through to complete the first 45.

He was replaced by Lewis Spence at the break after Kevin Holt had given the Dark Blues a 1-0 first-half lead with a powerful strike.

Elliott Parish saved an 86thminute Dougie Imrie penalty to secure the three points and all but guarantee Premiership safety for another season.

It was a collective effort which saw the Dee over the line but Neil took the time to single out O’Hara for his battling performance in the team display.

“He was immense on Saturday but I have to compliment the whole team, they pulled together,” he said.

“He’s not looking too bonnie and he’s not speaking too well either, he’s lost his two front teeth.

“I think the groundsman found one of them, not sure if he’s got his second one yet but I thought it was a heroic performance to make it through 45 minutes because his face wasn’t great.

“The big fella dug in because there were a few headers where I didn’t think he would fancy it but he did.

“He was feeling a bit light-headed at half-time so we had to change him but I’m hoping that we can get him to a dentist and get him sorted out.

“He’s a bit sore and was just one of the heroes on Saturday in what was a big performance.”

Going into tomorrow’s contest with Ross County in Dingwall, Dundee cannot be automatically relegated as they sit eight points clear of their Highland rivals. However, they are not mathematically safe from falling into the play-off spot which Partick Thistle currently occupy.

The Dee host Thistle in the last game of the season and are currently six ahead with a better goal difference – meaning they are practically safe. However, Neil is not taking anything for granted.

He added: “Clearly we’re safe from the automatic spot but there’s still work to be done. We’ve put ourselves in a really good position.

“You can’t be too complacent, you can’t take anything for granted.”

DUNDEE goalkeeper Elliott Parish has triggered a one-year contract extension.

Dundee midfielder Mark O’Hara examines himself after losing his two front teeth in a clash of heads with Accies’ Danny Redmond.