GARY MACKENZIE (pictured) has made it a frustrating five for Dundee manager Jocky Scott on the injury front as the Dark Blues prepare to kick off the competitive stuff at home to Stranraer this weekend, writes Ian Roache.

The central defender went off after 22 minutes of Tuesday’s friendly against Forfar with an injured back and now joins Rab Douglas (abdominal strain), David Cowan (groin), Craig McKeown (groin) and Pat Clarke (hamstring) on the casualty list.

Unlike the others, MacKenzie has not yet been ruled out of tomorrow’s Co-operative Insurance Cup tie but his prospects look slim.

“I am waiting on word from Gary but at the moment I’d say it’s doubtful as to whether he is going to participate on Saturday,” said Scott yesterday.

“He hurt his back on Tuesday but we don’t yet know if it’s a knock or a twist.

“He has gone to get some manipulation done to his back today and if he doesn’t train tomorrow then he won’t be available.

“Also, another of our centre halves, Craig McKeown, has a groin injury and had an injection last night and will need to rest for five days.

“David Cowan can play in the middle of defence but he, too, is injured so it looks like Kyle Benedictus, whom I eventually want to put out on loan, will be playing for us against Stranraer.

“Looking on the positive side, had we been in this position at any stage last season I would have been worried, but now we have enough players to enable me to say we have cover.

“So it is a good thing to have strength in depth and quality in the squad, although I would like all five injured guys to be back ready for the start of the league campaign if possible.”

Despite exciting some fans with his play in pre-season games, Scott believes striker Leigh Griffiths still has some catching up to do.

“He has done all right and will be a big asset for us but Leigh is still behind the others as regards fitness,” added the Dens boss.

“He is probably just short on stamina and sharpness but it that will come.”