Gavin Rae knows what it’s like to use Dundee as a stepping stone to bigger and better things. And he believes ‘unplayable’ winger Nicky Riley will be the next big thing to emerge from Dens Park.
Riley was simply sensational as Dundee served notice of their emergence as first division title candidates with a 4-2 dismantling of Falkirk, and the one-time Celtic youth player had an influence in all four goals.
Rae, who left Dundee for Rangers in 2004, opened the scoring before Jake Hyde hit a double and Steven Milne capped the day off against a Falkirk side who benefited from Rhys Weston’s unfortunate first-half own goal and refused to accept defeat with Jay Fulton’s strike 15 minutes from the end.
The Bairns were second best throughout but remained in the contest until the last five minutes when Milne scored to restore Dundee’s two-goal cushion and secure an important three points.
But it was the performance of Riley which caught the eye, as he terrorised full-back Stephen Kingsley.
Rae reckons it won’t be long until clubs are queuing up to sign him.
He said: “Nicky Riley was on fire from the very start he’s at the top of his game at the moment.
“He has been like that since I came here and when he’s in that form he’s almost unplayable. I certainly wouldn’t like to play against him.
“He’s got everything you need in a winger he’s got the tricks to get past people, the change of pace to get away and then the delivery into the box.
“But he’s not just a flair player you see how much work he puts in for the team. If he keeps up the form he’s in then you’d think other clubs would be looking at him.
“Obviously we want him to stay here but people will be taking notice of how well he’s playing.”
Rae joined Dundee to get games after leaving Cardiff in the summer and has helped Barry Smith’s side to four consecutive wins. That has transformed their season and they now sit in third place behind leaders Ross County and Falkirk.
Rae insists they won’t get carried away but can afford to look above them.
He said: That’s four wins in a row, we’re into the next round of the cup and are climbing the table. So it’s all going in the right direction. We’re on a run now and we want to keep it going.”
Dens boss Smith was delighted with the showing but quickly stamped on any title talk, saying: “I’m thrilled with the performance the lads did brilliantly. But we’re not looking any further ahead of the next game. That’s the way we are going about our business.”