Sunderland manager Jack Ross was reluctant to let Ethan Robson leave the Stadium of Light and come to Dundee.
The 22-year-old joined Jim McIntyre’s side on deadline day last Thursday after injury restricted him to only three outings for the Black Cats during the first half of the campaign.
Robson made his debut for the Dark Blues in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Hamilton and former St Mirren manager Ross pointed out that the playmaker is still firmly in his thoughts.
Ross said: “I didn’t really want him to go out but we brought Grant (Leadbitter) in and he’s missed so much time through injury.
“I said to him that I thought he would get an opportunity before the end of the season but I couldn’t guarantee it.
“I like him so much and think he’s so different to what we’ve got but he’s missed the bulk of what we’ve done this season through injury.
“It’s been disappointing because if you look, he’s never really had an injury problem before.
“I think it’s a good move, they’ve got some big games and they’re in a tough position. I hope it goes well for him because I really do like him.”
Meanwhile, Dundee manager Jim McIntyre was delighted with the impact another weekend debutant, Ryan McGowan, made at the heart of his defence at Hamilton.
“I thought McGowan was excellent,” he said.
“He won a lot of big headers. Oakley was a handful to deal with up front and then big Steven Davies after that.
“We had to handle their tricky players behind the striker as well. We got to grips with that.
“Big Andreas (Hadenius) did well also. He tired but over the next couple of weeks the new signings will get up to speed and know more about what is required.”
