Kerr hails mood in pre-season training camp as Dundee have fun in the sun

Defender Cammy Kerr believes familiarity will breed confidence as the Dundee squad continues to bond in Portugal.

The Dark Blues are having some fun in the sun as well as a lot of hard work during their week-long stay in the Algarve.

There was a run-out against Sunderland yesterday. Kerr, though, feels that the down time spent together away from the pitch is almost as important as the hours taken up by training and playing.

The 22-year-old right-back said: “It is a good time to go away and get used to being around your new team-mates.

“You are training with them twice a day and eating three meals with them.

“You are spending time at night with them and seeing them when you get up in the morning.

“It is great. It builds confidence within yourself and gets you mentally prepared, which is ideal.

“The down time is absolutely crucial. “Everyone talks about years ago in Scottish football when you had so many laughs on trips. I have heard all the stories.

“It is maybe not the same as the old days but you still have a joke with the boys and it is good for team bonding. “It can bring out the best in people. “That will help the new boys feel comfortable and I have to say they have all gelled well.

“Just getting away in the heat, and feeling sharp and fit is so important.

“It is never easy coming into a different squad but we have a good bunch at Dundee.”

Kerr is delighted that he can still count the likes of Glen Kamara and Steven Caulker among his clubmates.

Asked if he was surprised that no club had come in for that star duo, Kerr replied: “Listen, they are good players. “They were massive for us last season. “However, we have a lot of quality players in the squad and that’s no disrespect to them.

“For example, we have more than our fair share of young talented lads so it’s an exciting squad the gaffer is putting together.”

Following the cancellation of Dundee’s friendly against Mansfield today, the Dark Blues have arranged a match with Portuguese Primeira Liga side Portimonense tomorrow at 10am.

The match will take place at the same stadium in which they will play SC Farense on Tuesday, the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira.

Both games will be open to the public and there will be an entry fee to cover match expenses – €10 for adults and €5 for children.

Dundee faced Sunderland in a short training match in the Algarve yesterday.

Among the players who have made the trip with Neil Mccann’s squad is trialist striker Adil Nabi.

The 24-year-old former West Brom forward previously came off the bench in the friendly against Cowdenbeath.

Meanwhile, La Liga side Celta Vigo have been linked with a move for Dundee defender Caulker.

A number of Championship clubs in England are also reported to be considering a bid for the former Spurs and Liverpool centre-back.

Cammy Kerr, top, is delighted to be playing alongside Steven Caulker.