Dundee boss Paul Hartley has praised his centre-half pairing of Thomas Konrad and James McPake for their no-nonsense defending.
The two summer arrivals have formed a promising partnership at the heart of the Dark Blues’ rearguard in the three league games to date.
The 24-year-old German Konrad and the more experienced former Hibs favourite McPake have quickly established an understanding and have been an important part of Dundee’s unbeaten start to their Premiership campaign.
And Hartley admitted that he has also been impressed with the leadership qualities McPake brings to the side, especially in the absence of injured club skipper Kevin Thomson.
The manager said: “James has been great for us so far this season. I’ve been happy with Thomas Konrad as well.
“The pair of them just go about their business but James’ leadership qualities have shone through. He’s a talker, he leads by example as well and he inspires the people around him.
“We’re delighted to have him because he’s everything you want in a centre-half. He wants to defend, he’s not interested in looking pretty and be passing the ball all the time.
“James likes making tackles and putting his body on the line. His biggest thing is stopping the opposition from scoring goals if he does that he’s happy.”
Hartley oversaw a big summer of change at Dens and was arguably the busiest boss in the country in terms of transfer business.
However, he admits that he is still hopeful of bringing in two more players a full-back and a striker.
Hartley added: “I’m hoping to do a bit more business before the transfer window closes.
“I feel we’re still short in certain areas like left-back you saw that when Willie Dyer went off injured in the Partick Thistle game.
“The balance wasn’t right when he went off, so a left-sided player would be good to get. And I’d still like to bring in another centre forward as well.
“It might be that we have to do a bit of business with players going out, maybe a few of the young lads out on loan.
“The likes of Cammy Kerr could do with getting some more experience so it would be good for them.”
Hartley will, though, have one new signing available following this weekend’s game at St Mirren with Phil Roberts serving the last match of a four-game ban that has seen him sit out the start to the season.
And the manager is looking forward to being able to utilise the former Falkirk front man’s pace.
Hartley said: “Phil has one game left then that’s his ban up. He’s been working away well, he’s looked sharp and has genuine pace so he’ll add a lot to the team.”