Key men McGowan and Ashcroft could boost Dark Blues

DUNDEE are set to welcome back key midfielder Paul McGowan for today’s trip to Raith Rovers.

However, manager Gary Bowyer could be without two other midfield options.

The Dark Blues are eager to put last week’s disappointment against Partick Thistle in the Championship opener behind them.

Experienced campaigner McGowan was absent last week with a calf injury and was a big miss for the young side says Bowyer.

“Paul McGowan has returned to training so we are happy with that,” the Dens gaffer said.

“We missed his experience last week, I think his know-how would have settled us down at times.

“We had a bounce game midweek and Fin Robertson picked up a niggle in his groin so he’ll be touch and go for the weekend.

“Ben Williamson went back to Rangers at the beginning of the week to get assessed.

“Fortunately it’s not anything too serious.

“Raith Rovers might be a bit too soon.”

Dundee’s bounce game against Motherwell saw trialist Jay Bird get a run out.

So, too, did key defender Lee Ashcroft, who managed 60 minutes in his first game time in five months after a hamstring injury.

“The bounce game was great. Lee Ashcroft got his first minutes since March so we were delighted he came through an hour,” Bowyer added.

“We’ve looked after him since but he was back in training on Friday and will go into the squad for Saturday.

“Others who needed minutes got them as well.”

Cillian Sheridan missed the game due to a niggle in his groin as he continues his comeback from a longterm Achilles problem.

Jordan McGhee is nearing a return while goalkeeper Adam Legzdins completed his second full week of training after recovering from injury.

Lee Ashcroft (left) and Paul McGowan.