The return of Jamie Ness to the Dundee starting line-up will be “pivotal” to the Dens Park side’s bid to reel in Championship leaders Dundee United, according to manager James McPake.
The last league game the former Rangers man started was the first derby of the season at the end of August.
He has been on the bench in recent weeks, coming off it to the score the winner against Morton a couple of weeks ago, and McPake is looking forward to the 28-year-old becoming a regular starter.
Ness, who was out with an ankle injury, played the full game behind closed doors against St Johnstone.
“He’s feeling good,” said McPake.
“We pushed him really hard in the 90 minutes and he trained on the Monday as well.
“Getting him back will be pivotal to what we’re looking to do.”
Josh Meekings is another experienced player ready to play a bigger role for the Dark Blues.
“Meeks has had a prolonged period of training now which he hasn’t had before,” said McPake.
“I was looking at both their stats for that bounce game and it was very impressive.”
McPake also confirmed that Jordan Marshall will be fit for next Saturday’s clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
