The solid and assured debut display from trialist midfielder Craig Robertson may have surprised many at Stark’s Park but it didn’t come as a shock to his new Dundee team-mates.
Robertson made the leap from the junior ranks with Lochee United to play against first division leaders Raith Rovers on Tuesday night and did not look out of place. Had you not known his background, you would have thought he was a Dens first-team regular rather than part Bluebells player, part Dark Blues supporter.
His performance was the latest incredible instalment in what has been a remarkable season in so many ways for Dundee, who would now sit six points clear at the top of the table had they not been deducted 25 points by the Scottish Football League for going into administration. But striker Sean Higgins revealed the 30-year-old’s dream debut did not raise many eyebrows among his colleagues.Experience”We had heard Robbo could play and he is an experienced lad,” said Higgins, whose two goals secured the 2-1 win over the Fifers. “So we weren’t surprised. Also, he is playing for Lochee United and that is a good level. There are some players in the juniors who are maybe better than those who are playing at a higher level.
“I only met him when he gave us his testimonial money to the club. That was a massive thing and showed the type of man he is. He was very quiet before the game and kept himself to himself. He did his talking on the park, though, and was buzzing after the match.
“It was an unbelievable night for him and he just strolled about the middle of the park. All in all, we are delighted to have him and he added something to the team.”
The victory in Kirkcaldy moved Dundee’s unbeaten league run to the 16-game mark and their form is the talk of the steamie. Many wonder what the secret is and Higgins offered his take on it.
“It is because of what happened to the club,” he said. “Everyone feels a wee bit of an injustice was done with the points deduction and it’s driving us on. We have a togetherness. The run has been unbelievable but we want to keep it going.
“We just don’t want to lose. To go to a place like Stark’s Park and win was terrific and I was very happy. I was delighted to get a couple of goals. I got one on Saturday at Stirling, too, so that’s three in two games. It doesn’t matter who scored but you like it to be you when you are a striker.
“We would have been six clear at the top had we not had the points taken off so our aim is to finish ‘top,’ although it would also be a wee bit frustrating at the same time.”New directionMeanwhile, Brian Kerr, one of the players sacked by Dundee after they went into administration, has revealed he is thinking about finding another line of work. The midfielder, due just under £80,000 from his former employers, has yet to receive any payment from the club and remains out of work.
He said, “Apparently, we can’t get our money until Dundee come out of administration but there is still quite a way to go. It has been a difficult time for the club and, obviously, it is in everyone’s best interests for Dundee to continue to do well but we have been kept in the dark and it is very frustrating.
“Finding a club hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be. I have played for my country, played in the Premiership with Newcastle and in the SPL for Livingston, Motherwell, Hibs and Inverness, so I thought there might have been a few offers.
“However, Scottish clubs have been cutting their squads to the bare minimum due to the recession and I am still waiting for something to crop up. I have been training with Queen of the South just to keep my fitness up in case somebody comes in for me. They have also been good enough to let me play in a few reserve games.
“However, I’m getting to the stage where I need to consider other options. That might include playing in the United States or Australia, going part-time or even getting a job outside the game. I have been holding off from doing that for as long as possible but that’s the next step.”BeliefMeanwhile, Dundee fans appear to believe their club can complete the miracle and actually win the first division.
Paul Petrie, from Scots betting firm McBookie, revealed fans have bet them down from 80-1 to a current price of 33-1.
“Dundee would be six points clear at the top if they hadn’t been deducted the 25 points and there is no doubt they are the form team in the league,” he said. “It will be a big ask but we have had a lot of interest, so the Dundee supporters clearly believe Barry Smith can pull off mission impossible.”