PAUL McHALE’S new contract is the first of what Dundee manager Alex Rae hopes will be a festive flurry of fresh deals, writes Ian Roache.

The former Clyde midfielder has agreed to stay with the Dark Blues for another 12 months and there could be more good news in the days ahead.

Offers have also been made to the likes of Craig Samson, Derek Lyle, Bob Davidson and Milan Palenik.

“Paul has committed for another year and that is great news for the club,” said Rae.

“That just shows his great attitude to being here and I was always confident he would stay.

“We also hope to get another couple of players signed up over the next few days. They have taken the contracts away to think things over.

“I don’t want to interfere with the matches so I’m prepared to wait, but hopefully it will all work out well.”

Meanwhile, striker Lyle missed training yesterday after having some dental work done but is not a doubt for Wednesday’s match against Queen of the South.

Rae wants more time to look at the trialists training at the club.