Tall guy partnership will suit Ojamaa

Dens new boy hopes to hit ground running with strike partner Haber

Dundee new boy Henrik Ojamaa is confident his little and large partnership with Marcus Haber will be a big success.

The loan signing, who joined the club from Dutch team Go Ahead Eagles on transfer deadline day, is poised to go straight into the forward line for today’s crunch clash with Inverness Caley Thistle.

He is expected to team up with Canadian striker Haber, who stretches all of 6ft 3in, while Ojamaa comes in at a rather more average 5ft 9.

That isn’t a problem, according to the Estonian international.

Indeed, it is something Ojamaa became used to during his time at Motherwell, when he hit it off with another tall guy.

“I played well with a big striker when Michael Higdon and I were up front at Fir Park,” said Ojamaa.

“Marcus Haber is very similar to Higdon. He is a big, powerful and has a good touch so hopefully we can get a similar partnership. I enjoy playing alongside a striker like that. My game is at its best when I am buzzing around someone who can bring the ball down and hold it up.

“I remember Marcus from when he was at St Johnstone so I know how he likes to play already. I think I can come here, build a partnership with him and hopefully help the team.”

There will be more than one familiar face for Ojamaa when he trots out to face ICT this afternoon.

He knows new Dens colleague Tom Hateley from their time with the Steelmen and he is good pals with fellow Estonian Henri Anier, the former Dundee United frontman now with the Highlanders.

Ojamaa said: “I know Tom from Motherwell and I have also played against most of the players here over the years. I think we have a good group and I think we can have a good second half to the season. I am also very good friends with Henri so I’m happy for him to find a team.

“It will be strange to play against him because I don’t think we have done that since we were around 15.

“We were both sent out to different teams as part of our development – I was with Flora and he was with Valga. We have played a lot together, obviously, in the youth team and with Estonia so it will be strange. It will be good to see him and there has been a bit of banter since he heard I was coming here. We will both do the best for our teams then speak afterwards.”

Ojamaa certainly believes he is ready to “hit the ground running” for the Dark Blues.

He said: “It was late in the window that I heard about Dundee’s interest but after speaking to the manager I was keen to come. We had a good chat and I liked what he had to say so my mind was made up straight away.

“He wanted someone who knows the league and knows the style of play in Scotland. So I don’t think there will be a period of adjustment. Instead, I can hit the ground running and get going straight away.

“I had a short winter break in Holland but I have played in some friendly matches and feel good. I need to play matches. That is what I am here for because I want to get as many games as I can. I am not thinking too far ahead.

“It is just about getting playing again at the moment and doing all I can for the team. I am ready to play right away if the manager needs me.”

Dundee’s opponents today slipped three points adrift at the foot of the Ladbrokes Premiership on Wednesday – but Jamie McCart has been struck by the unity of the squad since arriving on loan.

The 19-year-old Celtic defender signed on transfer deadline day and watched his new team lose 3-0 from the substitutes’ bench at Hamilton hours later.

Manager Richie Foran accused some of his players of “hiding” and “lacking bottle” after the game but McCart feels there is plenty of spirit and talent among his new team-mates as they bid to bounce back at home to the Dark Blues.

The teenager, who is the son of Celtic academy director Chris McCart, said: “To work under the gaffer will be great. When he phoned me, he spoke about how good the players here were – the quality and togetherness in the dressing room.

“I’ve only been here two days but can already testify to that straight away. I’m learning every day and looking forward to what is to come. It is all about coming to play first-team football and to be around the first-team environment. It has been brilliant so far.”