Dundee boss John Brown has lamented the fact that he will not be able to give promising youngster Craig Wighton his competitive debut at Alloa because of red tape.
The Dens Park boss had intended to hand the teenager a starting berth in the Ramsdens Cup tie at Recreation Park, however “Bomber” revealed he has been denied that opportunity.
Brown said: “I am looking forward to Saturday’s game against a side that is in the same division as us. They have won back-to-back promotions and Paul Hartley has done a fantastic job.
“Alloa have a great home record and I think everybody will be looking at Dundee as the team to beat, so the lads have to be prepared to treat every game as a cup final.
“So we will be going through there with a strong squad and having a look at some of our young boys. We’re just disappointed that Craig Wighton is not available though.
“It seems crazy that he turns 16 on Saturday but we can’t register him until Monday. I would have started him so it’s frustrating that we can’t use him.
“However, he will get a run-out in the second half of our friendly against Rangers next week.”
Meanwhile, Brown has revealed who will be skippering the Dark Blues next season.
Long-term injury victim Stephen O’Donnell had been club captain but the manager wants him to concentrate fully on his rehab and has handed the armband to the vastly-experienced Gavin Rae.
Brown said: “Gavin is the captain and Gary Irvine will be the vice-captain. Gavin has got bags of experience so he’s a natural choice. He gives us leadership qualities.
“Stephen O’Donnell was our club captain but he has been out for a year. So I spoke to him and said to forget about all that extra responsibility and just try to concentrate on getting himself fit again.”