Kids lighting up dark days for Dee

Dundee have endured the darkest of seasons. But midfielder Shaun Byrne believes the future is bright at Dens Park – thanks to the club’s talented crop of youngsters.

Relegation to the Championship comes at a financial cost and puts Dundee outside Scotland’s elite division.

However, Byrne feels the Dark Blues’ next generation will shine in the second tier, thanks to all the topflight experience they have accrued. Byrne said: “The future of the club is boys like Josh Mulligan, Max Anderson, Fin Robertson and Lyall Cameron.

“They might get a big chance next season.

“As one of the older players, it will be good to help them along as well.

“The future is good with the quality of young players we have. They will be looking to really push on next year.”

Mulligan and Anderson are two players who have really stood out this season, despite Dundee’s struggles. That came as no surprise to Byrne.

He added: “Josh is really powerful, strong and quick. Max has been outstanding this season for a young player.

“He really held his own in the Premiership and he’s got a big future ahead of him.

“They are both really good but there’s also other young boys who will be looking to kick on next year and get into the team.”

Anderson, in particular, has a head start on his fellow youngsters after racking up 41 appearances last season.

That, says Byrne, will be a huge help for him.

“It’s only going to be a positive,” the midfielder said.

“Max played in almost all the games, playing against Celtic at Parkhead and Rangers at Ibrox against really top players.

“That will stand him in good stead and I’m sure he’ll want a bit more of that in the future as well.”