Dundee loan report: Who scored their first senior goal and who has ‘real chance’ of making it for the Dark Blues?

Dundee’s current crop of out-on-loan youngsters may not be as recognisable as previous years.

Last season saw the likes of Josh Mulligan and Lyall Cameron impress in League One before making the step into first-team football at Dens Park this season.

The long-term focus of the Dark Blues is to produce their own academy talents to supplement the senior side.

Part of that development is sending players out on loan to the lower leagues to gain experience.

This season they have five young talents playing in Leagues One and Two as well as the likes of Cammy Blacklock at Huntly, Thomas Welsh at Tayport and Ewan White on loan at St Andrews United.

But how are the five boys at senior clubs getting on?

Tom Findlay

Winger Findlay joined Elgin City until January and his arrival coincided with a major upturn in form for the Highland outfit.

City had lost their first five matches of the season but have since been defeated just once.

Findlay has certainly played his part, featuring in every game and starting seven of those 12.

Elgin sit fourth in League Two, six points behind leaders Dumbarton and remain in the Challenge Cup after beating Dundee United B, Stenhousemuir and thumping League One Peterhead 4-0 away from home.

They have won their last four games, including Tuesday night at home to Albion Rovers where Findlay featured against Dee team-mate Luke Graham.

Appearances: 12

Sam Fisher

The best-known of Dundee’s loanees this season, Fisher has had to be patient at Dunfermline.

The 21-year-old centre-back has only made three appearances since joining his old boss James McPake at East End Park.

Two of those were brief sub outings but he made his first start in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Alloa Athletic and impressed.

3 points and a clean sheet on a first starting debut for defender @Sam_Fisher52 yesterday 🏁

Well done Sam 👏 pic.twitter.com/Q6Xu9A5XgW

— Dunfermline Athletic (@officialdafc) October 9, 2022

He was up against Wasps’ nine-goal striker Connor Sammon and kept the big striker quiet with McPake hailing an “excellent” performance.

After showing up well for Dundee at the start of the season, Fisher has played in five games so far this season – neither the Dee nor the Pars have conceded a goal when he’s been on the pitch.

Appearances: 3

Luke Graham

Eighteen-year-old Graham hit the headlines over the summer after scouts from the likes of Arsenal, Rangers and Celtic watched him in action for Lochee United.

The centre-back went on trial at English Championship outfit Sheffield United before signing a new two-year deal at Dens Park.

This season he’s stepped into the senior game, joining League Two strugglers Albion Rovers.

And he’s made an impact already, starting all three matches since.

Two of those have been away defeats to Stranraer and Tom Findlay’s Elgin on Tuesday but sandwiched between was a much-needed victory over Bonnyrigg Rose.

Graham opened the scoring on 14 minutes, finishing well from a corner to grab his first-ever goal in senior football (see video above).

Next up is a trip to league leaders Dumbarton with Rovers hoping to move clear of bottom side Forfar.

Appearances: 3  Goals: 1

Ewan Murray

Full-back Murray joined Peterhead in the middle of August and featured from the bench in heavy defeats to Queen of the South and Alloa.

Peterhead are delighted to announce the signings of Jack Wilkie and Ewan Murray on loan from @DundeeFC!

Welcome to the club lads!https://t.co/gmrGewPYuB#BlueToon 🔵⚪️💙 pic.twitter.com/BQ1d2b9Q5V

— Peterhead FC (@pfcofficial) August 13, 2022

He is one of 20 new arrivals this season as Jim McInally has struggled to rebuild the Blue Toon squad after some key departures last term.

On top of all the new faces, there’s an injury crisis at Balmoor with Murray among them.

Two appearances in heavy defeats and then injury mean so far it’s been a season to forget for young Murray.

Appearances: 2

Jack Wilkie

Son of former Dundee defender Lee, Jack Wilkie is also out of action while on loan at Peterhead.

His last appearance came in a 4-0 home defeat to Elgin City at the end of September where he also came up against club-mate Findlay.

Wilkie, who played 45 minutes in an early-season victory over Hamilton Accies for Dundee, did play 90 minutes in Peterhead’s only win of the campaign, a 2-1 success at home to Kelty Hearts.

Peterhead boss McInally said last week: “Jack Wilkie has done well and has a great attitude.

“You just see him improving and he’s got a real chance of playing for Dundee.”

Appearances: 5