On-loan keeper’s contribution hailed by Mcpake

Conor Hazard has lived up to Dundee manager James Mcpake’s expectations, writes Eric Nicolson.

The Northern Irishman’s late reflex save in Friday night’s derby couldn’t alter the result, but it was another example of the quality of the on-loan Celtic man.

Mcpake said: “It was a great save from Conor and I think he has been good since he came in.

“He is a young goalkeeper but he has experience of this league and also international experience. So we were never worried about bringing him in.

“Conor has integrated very well with the squad which has been good as well.

“Taking the United game away, he has been involved in three great performances and results.

“Celtic have three very good goalies at the club in Fraser Forster, Scott Bain and Craig Gordon. But Conor has just played in a big derby which was live on BT.

“That’s something he will have to continue to do if he wants to be Celtic’s number one.”

Mcpake added: “The emergency loan is a seven-day thing that we just need to keep extending as Jack isn’t going to be ready for Inverness.

“Jack is doing OK.

“It is a weird one because it would be much simpler if he was an outfield player.

“I experienced this situation with Scott Bain a few years ago in Hungary as well with his appendix.

“It is harder for goalies as they are diving about all the time.

“Jack is getting better but he is still not training.

“He is just doing bits and pieces with the doctor and the physio.”

Conor Hazard: Settled in well at Dens during loan spell.