Gary Bowyer on ‘starters and finishers’ at Dens Park as Dundee boss demands impact from substitutes

Dundee boss Gary Bowyer says new rules on substitutions mean impact from the bench is more important than ever.

The Dens Park gaffer was quick to hail the influence of the five players he brought on against Raith Rovers at the weekend.

Shaun Byrne and Ben Williamson replaced Joe Grayson and Max Anderson respectively in the first half of that 2-0 win.

And in the closing stages Cillian Sheridan, Derick Osei and Lyall Cameron came on to help the Dark Blues see out the game.

‘More apparent’

Bowyer insists that need to perform from the bench is needed more than ever with five substitutions now available in every game.

And he’s impressed that on his Dundee squad.

“We have talked quite a lot about starters and finishers, to use rugby terms,” Bowyer said.

“We spoke about that in the build-up to Saturday’s game following the impact of the subs the week before at Partick.

“It is difficult being a non-starter but we have talked to them about the impact of being ready to come on.

“The last couple of weeks for us, the subs have had a big impact.

“You can even go back to Derick at Queen’s Park when he came on and scored the equaliser.

“The way the game is going now with five subs it is becoming even more apparent that you need a real good type in your squad.”

Ben Williamson

Bowyer reserved special praise for on-loan midfielder Ben Williamson.

The Rangers youngster is in his fourth loan spell from Ibrox after spending time at Arbroath, Livingston and Raith Rovers before arriving at Dens Park this season.

And he impressed against his old side after replacing Anderson on 28 minutes, winning the penalty for the opening goal after seeing his shot blocked by the arm of Scott Brown.

And Bowyer thinks it was his best display since arriving in the summer.

“Yes, 100%,” the Dundee boss agreed.

“We had said to him he has to impact the game more.

“He took it on board and then implemented it.

“Long may that continue. The boy has talent as he showed on Saturday.

“It is like with all young players, the challenge to them is to produce it consistently.”