Impact is new benchmark for substitutes says Bowyer

Dundee boss Gary Bowyer says new rules on substitutions mean making an impact from the bench is more important than ever.

The Dens Park gaffer was quick to hail the influence of the five players he brought on against Raith Rovers at the weekend.

Shaun Byrne and Ben Williamson replaced Joe Grayson and Max Anderson respectively in the first half of the 2-0 win.

And in the closing stages Cillian Sheridan, Derick Osei and Lyall Cameron came on to help the Dark Blues see out the game.

Bowyer insists that need to perform from the bench is needed more than ever with five substitutions available in every game.

And he has impressed that on his Dundee squad.

“We have talked quite a lot about starters and finishers, to use rugby terms,” Bowyer said.

“We spoke about that in the build-up to Saturday’s game following the impact of the subs the week before at Partick.

“It is difficult being a non-starter but we have talked to them about the impact of being ready to come on.

“The last couple of weeks for us, the subs have had a big impact.

“You can even go back to Derick at Queen’s Park when he came on and scored the equaliser.

“The way the game is going now with five subs, it is becoming even more apparent you need a real good type in your squad.”

Bowyer reserved special praise for on-loan midfielder Williamson.

The Rangers youngster is in his fourth loan spell from Ibrox after spending time at Arbroath, Livingston and Raith Rovers before arriving at Dens Park this season.

He impressed against his old side after replacing

Anderson on 28 minutes, winning the penalty for the opening goal after seeing his shot blocked by the arm of Scott Brown.

Bowyer thinks it was his best display since arriving in the summer.

“Yes, 100%,” the Dundee boss agreed.

“We had said to him he

has to impact the game more.

“He took it on board and then implemented it.

“Long may that continue. The boy has talent as he showed on Saturday.

“It is like with all young players, the challenge to them is to produce it consistently.”

CASUALTIES: Joe Grayson, left, and Max Anderson, right, were both substituted on Saturday while Jordan Marshall, centre, has missed the last two matches through injury.

Gary Bowyer with on-loan midfielder Ben Williamson.