Dundee midfielder Graham Dorrans has praised protégé Fin Robertson for being such a willing pupil.
Robertson may be only 17 but he was a star man for the Dark Blues as they drew 1-1 with Championship leaders Dundee United at Tannadice last Friday night.
The teenager linked up superbly with the more experienced Dorrans, who at the age of 32 has seen it and done it all with Scotland, Rangers, Norwich and West Bromwich Albion.
The older of the two was the one who scored against United to make it four matches unbeaten for James McPake’s side going into Saturday’s tasty-looking first game of 2020 against second-placed Inverness Caley Thistle at Dens.
Dorrans clearly loves passing on tips to his talented teammate and appreciates the fact that Robertson is taking the advice on board.
He said: “Fin is still only 17 years old so has a lot of learning to do but you can see the qualities and attributes that he’s got.
“He is willing to learn and I like that.
“He is also willing to put in the graft.
“Nothing fazes him.
“All credit to him for coming into an environment like the derby and being so comfortable in the game.”
Of course, Robertson wasn’t the only Dundee player to look like he was enjoying himself as the away side had the better of the second half against the Tangerines.
Dorrans said: “There was only one team, in the second half, that looked (likely to) go on and win the game.
“In think in the first they were probably the better team so they will probably be disappointed with the way they played in the second.
“We came in at half-time and there were a few strong words said because we were disappointed.
“We then came off the game disappointed that we didn’t go on and win it.”
Dorrans’ new year wish is that they now kick on, starting with the visit of the Highlanders this weekend.
He said: “I hope so.
“If we find that consistency we will climb the league – I’m sure of that.
“That is why Dundee United are so far ahead of everyone – they have found that consistency.
“We are a confident group and know that if we hit the heights we know we can hit then we will be a match for anyone in this division.”
As for Dorrans himself, he feels he is operating at full match fitness.
He added: “For me, it’s about just getting games in.
“I kept myself fit but I didn’t really get a proper pre-season.
“When I was freed, I went to the gym and was running but running on a treadmill is different to playing 90 minutes.
“It is a different sort of fitness so it has taken me a little while to get match fit. I feel like I am there now.”
