Hemmings can reach the very top, says strike partner

GREG STEWART reckons Dundee strike partner Kane Hemmings is good enough to continue his sharp shooting with England’s big guns.

The former Rangers youngster notched his 17th and 18th goals of the season against St Johnstone last Friday night.

The goals were the latest highlight in a hot streak for the Englishman which has produced 12 goals in just nine games.

Stewart believes if he continues to improve like he has this season then the 23-year-old frontman could make a return to his homeland to perform at the highest level.

Stewart, who had previously also linked up with Hemmings during their time at Cowdenbeath, said: “I’m delighted for Kano. Everything he hits right now seems to be flying in. It’s great for us as a team as we’re reaping the benefits of it.

“You saw from the way he took his second goal against St Johnstone how easy it is for him now. He does the same in training every day. He is scoring all sort of goals.

“Kano could one day go back down south and easily play in the Championship or for a top team up here. Is the Premier League something he should be aiming for? I don’t see why not. He’s still young and is always learning. He’s a great goalscorer and developing into an all-round striker.

“His work rate and touch have improved since the start of the season already.”

Stewart was nominated for last season’s PFA Scotland player of the year after hitting 15 goals for the Dens Park side.

That kind of form was behind speculation linking the 25-year-old with his own move away from Tayside, with reported interest from Rangers.

Mark Warburton opted instead to sign the St Johnstone attacker Michael O’Halloran during last month’s transfer window but Stewart insists his focus never deviated from Dundee’s campaign.

“It is obviously flattering,” said Stewart when asked about the transfer rumours. “You must be doing something right if teams are getting linked with you. But it’s not something I overthought. If something is going to happen, it will. I just wanted to keep doing my best for Dundee.

“Hopefully I’ll continue to do that until the end of the season by chipping in with a few goals.”