Dundee manager Paul Hartley believes Craig Wighton is ready to fulfil his potential after being excited by his performance in their 2-0 victory over Motherwell.
The 19-year-old imposed himself on the game from the start and provided assists for both goals, for Cammy Kerr in the 40th minute and Marcus Haber 10 minutes from time.
The forward was only denied a goal himself by a good stop from Craig Samson after weaving his way into the Motherwell box.
The teenager’s skill was a joy to watch but his decision-making and timing of pass were equally impressive, none more so than when he cut the ball back for Haber to slot home his first goal for the club.
Hartley has been looking for a way to replace the goals and guile of Kane Hemmings and Greg Stewart and he may have found it after linking Wighton up with recent signing Haber.
“I felt the two front players make a big difference for us,” Hartley said. “Big Haber has taken the ball in really well and we have changed where Craig is playing. He was excellent.
“He has been around the squad for the last three or four years and there was a lot of expectation on his shoulders.
“I have had to be really patient with him. People were telling us when to play him and get him in the team but we have been patient.
“But it’s his time now, I think. He’s got all the ability in the world and he has just got to keep the standard he has set. He did the same last week so he has maybe found a partner that he can work off and enjoys playing with.
“We lost two key players in the front line in Hemmings and Stewart but Craig has definitely got everything. He is an outstanding talent, really good to work with. I think he can only get better but he now has to establish himself in the team.”
