Dundee boss Paul Hartley has revealed he is keen to have another look at Adam Dodd, who played as a trialist for the Dark Blues during Friday night’s friendly defeat at Sheffield United.
The 21-year-old, who was released by Blackpool earlier this summer, plays at left-back, a position where the Dens manager is keen to strengthen.
At the moment, Willie Dyer, who Hartley insists is the player who has impressed him most since he became Dundee manager, is the only specialist No 3 at the club.
So, the manager would like to run the rule over Dodd, who played the second half against the Blades, once more.
Hartley said: “We might bring Adam back up to have another look at him. He played 45 minutes against Sheffield United on Friday and it was difficult for him.
“We’re a wee bit short in that area. Willie is our only natural left-back so we could do with a bit of cover.
“It’s just in case anything happens to Willie. Willie has been outstanding. He’s been my best player in the time I’ve been here. That might surprise people but I think he’s just been so consistent in his performances.
“He has been excellent in terms of going forward and defending. He never complains and just gets on with his job. He trains every day and works hard. He gets up and down that left side of the park all day long so he is a huge asset to us.” Another Dundee defender, Kyle Benedictus was told along with winger Nicky Riley that he was free to find another club earlier this summer.
However, the centre-half played against Sheffield on Friday night and Hartley admitted that Benedictus has really impressed him recently.
The manager said: “They’re part of the squad just now. If we need to use them then we might have to. Benedictus has really knuckled down recently. His attitude has been very good so that’s been positive.”
Hartley is hoping to have almost a full-strength squad to choose from for Saturday’s opening competitive fixture in the League Cup tie with Peterhead at Dens.
Several players, including James McPake, Iain Davidson, Gary Irvine, Peter MacDonald and Riley, did not travel to Sheffield as they were nursing knocks and niggles.
However, the manager is hopeful that they will all be available this weekend with goalkeeper Scott Bain, who is recovering from an appendix operation, the only player who will definitely miss out.
Hartley added: “Bainy is doing a bit with the physio. He should be back at the end of this week or the start of next week which will be another plus.”