Mulligan keen to prove himself to new boss Bowyer
DUNDEE youngster Josh Mulligan is determined to impress new Dens Park manager Gary Bowyer after the Scotland Under-21s midfielder was tipped for the top by previous boss Mark McGhee. The 19-year-old made his debut for Scot Gemmill’s side in their encouraging draw in Belgium on Sunday and could start tonight in Denmark in their final game, with Aberdeen prospect Connor Barron suspended. While he was away on international duty, his club appointed a new manager, with former Blackburn Rovers boss Bowyer the surprise choice to take charge of the relegated club. McGhee insisted before he left that the future of Dundee was bright because of youngsters like Mulligan, fellow Under-21 call-up keeper Harry Sharp and also Max Anderson. And Mulligan is determined to kick on after scoring in both of the last two games of the league season. He said: ‘I didn’t know a lot about the new boss, but I’ve looked him up and I’ve heard he’s an experienced manager. I’m looking forward to pre-season and getting started with him. ‘I need to get off to a good start in pre-season to show him what I can do. The main thing for me will be to ensure I am really fit and sharp when we all go back. ‘The season was a bit bittersweet for me. Obviously, it wasn’t a good season for the club, but for me personally, it was good. ‘I scored my first goal for Dundee against Peterhead, but my first league goal was against Hibs at the end of the season. ‘It was a great feeling and it was even better because it was in front of our fans at Dens Park. My family were at the game too. But all I am thinking of is getting Dundee back into the Premiership. ‘No one will underestimate how hard it will be to get back. The Championship is going to be a really tough league and there will be a lot of good teams. ‘It was a proud moment for me to make my Scotland Under-21s debut, but not just for me, for my family as well. ‘Denmark will be different from Belgium, but it’s obviously going to be a tough game.’ Kick-off: 5pm, Vejle Stadion. TV: LIVE on BBC Scotland.