Hazard hands league rivals stark warning

Conor Hazard has declared himself ready for a dauntinglooking debut after solving Dundee’s goalkeeping crisis.

The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international’s emergency loan move from Celtic to Dens Park was completed yesterday.

The Dark Blues were forced to act after number one Jack Hamilton had to undergo an appendix operation.

Despite the tight timescale, manager James McPake is likely to throw Hazard straight into action against joint Championship leaders Ayr United at Somerset Park tonight.

If that does turn out to be the case, then the confident shot-stopper will accept the challenge with relish.

Hazard said: “Whatever the gaffer decides to do, I will be ready and willing.

“I have had games under my belt, including at international level with Northern Ireland, so I am ready to go.

“It should be a good game and I am looking forward to it.

“I hope to show my quality as a keeper.

“The Ayr game is live on television as well which gives an added dimension.

“This is a different scenario from the clubs I’ve been on loan to before (Falkirk and Partick Thistle) because we are trying to get up to the Premiership.

“Prior to this, for me it has been a case of trying to stay up and scrape a point here and there.

“Here, there is pressure which I am relishing to be honest.

“That’s what you live for as a keeper. Everyone is looking at you.

“If an outfield player makes a mistake then there’s always someone else to cover but if a keeper makes a mistake, it’s a goal.

“Any goalie will tell you, though, that’s why they love their position. All eyes are on them.”

Safe hands: Conor Hazard