MIDFIELDER ‘TOO GOOD’ FOR LEAGUE, SAYS McPAKE

DUNDEE boss James McPake hailed Graham Dorrans for inspiring a second-half comeback in the 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Tannadice. But he admitted that the overriding emotion was one of disappointment at failing to capitalise on a dominant second-half performance. ‘They tried about three times to get somebody close to Dorrans, three different individuals,’ said McPake. ‘It’s a lovely goal. He’s getting himself into positions where keepers are pulling off world-class saves — every keeper turns into (David) De Gea when he hits them! ‘You are seeing a bit of dig, as well. There is no fear from someone who had two years out with a knee injury. ‘Graham Dorrans is too good for this league. We’re delighted to have him. ‘I’m still disappointed. There’s a real belief we should have won. ‘Performance wise, it’s night and day from previous derbies. But we should have won all three points. ‘Look, it was important to show to our fans that we can turn up and dig in. ‘United are 17 points clear of us and credit to them. ‘They are where they are for a reason — they’re consistently the best team in the division. If we find that consistency, then we’re the best team.’ United boss Robbie Neilson hailed a point earned rather than two dropped in the wider context of his team’s march towards the Championship title, noting: ‘I thought it was a typical derby. The ball needed changing at half-time because it was badly bruised. ‘Dundee probably had a bit more possession in the second half. But we are sitting in a position where a draw is a decent point — they were desperate to get the win and get up the league. ‘It’s another step forward and another point on the board. We’re in a really good position in the league, we’re delighted where we are. We now have to concentrate on building on this.’ Neilson was pleased with the quality of the opening goal from Nicky Clark — and praised keeper Benjamin Siegrist for stepping up to make a couple of excellent saves when required. ‘We spoke before the game about getting it wide and getting it in the box,’ said the United boss. ‘With Lawrence Shankland and Clark in there, it’s a good plan. But we got caught up in the derby atmosphere — you kick it, we kick it, all set plays.’