Dundee Handed Midfield Fitness Boost

[JoeCovenant]

Dundee boss Paul Hartley has been handed a pre-cup fitness boost with the news Nicky Low is set for a weekend return.

The former Aberdeen man, who has formed an integral part of the Dark Blues midfield this season, was forced to pull out of last Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Motherwell with an illness.

But, having shaken off the effects of the bug, Low has declared himself available for Dundee’s Scottish Cup clash with Dumbarton on Saturday.

Despite his solid form, Low’s selection is far from guaranteed, though.

Rory Loy, who has cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines recently, deputised on the left for Low, and did his chances no harm with a decent showing against ’Well, despite playing out of position.

Away from the bread and butter of Premiership football, though, Paul may have room for both in the side.

The gaffer is toying with the idea of shuffling his pack this week, and Loy could be handed the chance to shine up top, something the seven-goal striker has been craving since dropping down the pecking order due to the sensational form of Gary Harkins and Kane Hemmings.

Youngster Cammy Kerr is also in with a shout of a starting spot for the trip to the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.

After the unexpected departure of Gary Irvine to St Mirren, Kerr is now seen as the chief support to Kevin Holt and Paul McGinn, who will be returning to his former club at the weekend.

He can also operate on the right of midfield, giving Paul yet more options in the wide areas, along with Low, Greg Stewart and Loy.

Julen Etxabeguren is also pushing for a recall, having shown no ill effects of the nasty eye injury which saw him ruled out for much of the festive period.

Saying that, Thomas Konrad has put in some solid shows of late alongside Darren O’Dea, who will be available for the clash after sitting out the fourth-round win over Falkirk last week.

Meanwhile, former Dens Park favourite Christian Nade looks set to make his Sons debut in the tie.

Frenchman Nade signed a deal until the end of the season with Stephen Aitken’s men earlier this week.

The striker made six starts for the Dark Blues as they won the Championship title in 2014. He famously scored the opener in the club’s final-day title decider against his current employers.

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