Dundee boss Barry Smith believes Gavin Rae hasn’t lost any of the energy and drive that were his hallmark in his first spell at Dens Park.
The former Scotland international has returned to the Dark Blues after a successful career in England with Cardiff City.
Rae may be approaching his 34th birthday later this month, but Smith insisted his style of play is unchanged from when the two men were Dundee team-mates several years ago.
He said: ”Gavin’s still the same player that I played with. He could probably play a bit more defensively if we asked him but he’s still fit enough to go box to box so we won’t be taking that away from him.
”That’s a big asset to us. I won’t be asking him to sit and hold back. That’s not what we’re looking for from him.”
Smith is getting exactly what he thought he would from Rae on the pitch and in the dressing room.
He explained: ”I always knew what Gavin would bring to the team. He’s a team player and brings a wealth of experience. I don’t like singling out players but he’s very important to us.
”Like I said about Savo (Steven Milne) the other day, we need these guys and the likes of Matt Lockwood and Rhys Weston to help the younger ones.
”Because Gavin’s played at the highest level, we know that he’s passing on good habits to them.”
Meanwhile, the Dark Blues were given a boost when on-loan striker Calum Elliot was cleared by his club Hearts to face Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.