Kyle Letheren wasn’t even born when Gordon Banks made his famous save from Pele at the 1970 World Cup.
But his father, former professional keeper Glan, spoke of his pride in his son for the Banks-esque wonder stop which took the Dark Blues into the Premiership.
Letheren Sr, who played for Leeds, Swansea and Chesterfield, was at Dens for Saturday’s dramatic title decider.
However, he didn’t actually see Kyle’s save which denied Bryan Prunty a late, late equaliser.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=gwpuaj9HDlk%3Frel%3D0
Now that he’s seen footage of it, Glan agrees with the Banks analogy.
“I’m delighted for Kyle,” he said. “I actually didn’t see the save first time round as someone stood up and blocked my view at that precise moment!
“But the fans all around us were talking about it and thankfully I have since managed to see it for real on television.
“It was a proud moment to see it for myself because it was Banks-like the way he got down to keep it out.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=HNLam4RAbg8%3Frel%3D0
“As a former keeper, I know it’s the kind of save any keeper lives for.
“Kyle is a modest lad but he deserves the credit on this occasion as do all the rest of the lads for getting the job done.”
Former Kilmarnock man Letheren excelled in his first season on Tayside and his father is convinced he can go on to thrive in Scottish football’s top tier next term.
Letheren said: “I think Kyle can do very well next season in the SPFL. My worry for him was that he was replacing such a legend like Rab Douglas who was hugely popular with everyone associated with Dundee.
“It was a big jersey to fill as Rab had a huge affinity with the club. But I feel as though he’s grown into the position and can be very happy with his overall contribution.
“The next challenge is for him to show that he’s ready to make the step up to the top flight and I’m sure he’ll cope fine.”