JC and GMS will light up the race for promotion, says Stanton
Sam Stanton has tipped old pal, Jason Cummings, to be a smash-hit at Dundee – and equal anything Gary Mackay-Steven does for Hearts.
Stanton is thrilled to see his former Hibs team-mate get the chance to kickstart his career with James McPake’s promotion hopefuls after joining them recently from English outfit, Shrewsbury Town.
The 25-year-old ex-Easter Road ace has had spells at Nottingham Forest, Rangers and Luton Town in recent seasons.
But Cummings is now looking to get his career back on track following his transfer-window return to Scotland.
And Stanton is backing the Edinburgh-born striker to help the Dark Blues fulfil their dream of a Premiership return come the end of the season.
Former Dundee United star Stanton (inset, right) said: “I’m delighted for Jason.
“He’s a good mate of mine, and this looks like the ideal move for him at this stage in his career.
“Knowing him, he’ll just be itching to get back doing what he does best – and I’m sure he’ll have already lit up the dressing room !
“Jason’s a big character. He believes in himself, and his enthusiasm will rub off on everyone around him.
“He’s capable of scoring all sorts of goals. He’s a match winner which is what Dundee will be looking for as they approach the business end of the season.
“Hearts are obviously flying at the top of the table.
“They’ve brought in Gary Mackay-Steven and look like they’re going to win the title.
“But there’s no reason why Cummings can’t have just as much of an impact for Dundee, and help them get back to where they feel they belong.
“He’s the kind of player who thrives on a challenge.
“We’ve all watched him score goals on big occasions in the past – none more so than when he came off the bench to score twice against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
“It’s a tough league, the Championship, but there are play-off places up for grabs and Jason will relish that prospect.”
Stanton recently signed for Irish club, Dundalk, after enjoying a brief spell training with Dundee.
And the 26-year-old midfielder admits he was impressed by the quality on show during his time spent at Dens. He added: “There are a lot of good players at Dundee, no doubt about it.
“They have aspirations to get back to the top flight, and the club is geared towards that when you see someone like Charlie Adam there leading by example.
“From my time at Dundee United, I know it’s great to have both Dundee clubs in the Premiership.
“The derbies are great occasions for everyone concerned. They’re like the Edinburgh derbies in many ways, so it would be nice to see them back for the sake of Scottish football.
“Of course, there’s a lot of stiff competition in the championship.
“There’s the likes of Dunfermline, who are looking strong in second position.
“But Dundee have every right to believe they can get there.
“It will be an interesting next couple of months or so, and I’ll be wishing Jason all the best.”