Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Tangerines defender Liam feels at home at Tannadice
Smith hailed former Ayr Untied team-mate Shankland for his scoring return at Cappielow but reserved special praise for young hitman Appere.
“The big man’s done brilliant,” he said of the 20-year-old.
“I wasn’t here when he was out on loan (at Broughty Athletic), I’ve only seen him from the start of the season and I’ve been really impressed with him.
“His whole game is improving all the time. He’s maybe been stuck out wide a bit just assisting but now he’s getting the goals as well. It’s brilliant for him.
“If we can have our three strikers scoring goals it can only be a good thing.
“If we can keep producing for them by keeping the goals out at the other end then we’re only going to be going one way.”
As they head for Gayfield at the weekend, Smith is keen to make it a perfect three wins from three this week.
“It’s another tricky one. Going up there is never easy either and they’re doing really well.
“We’re under no illusions how difficult a game that will be.
“We’ve been treating every game with the utmost respect to who we’re playing against and, if we can keep the run going, then it will stand us in good stead.
“Confidence is high, that’s seven wins on the bounce now and 10 points clear.
“If we take it a game at a time now and keep on winning then no one is going to catch us.
“That’s what we aim to do – win every game.”
Smith is enjoying life on and off the pitch at Tannadice and admits the proximity to home in Fife is a big bonus.
“My girlfriend and I moved through so we’re settled and enjoying it.
“I’m from Fife so it’s not that far from home either. It’s perfect.”