Jim McIntyre believes the combination of midfield passing and pace out wide can be a key factor in Dundee’s battle for Premiership survival.
Part of the work Jim’s been putting in on the training pitch since he arrived has focused on using the speed of wide men Jesse Curran and Calvin Miller to the maximum.
Their pace and the ability of the men in the middle to find them can, he believes, be developed into a potent attacking weapon.
That was apparent during the fightback at Easter Road last weekend as the Dark Blues came back from two goals down after half-an-hour against Hibs, earned a point and were close to snatching a victory.
“Pace is a huge thing, especially in that wide area. It can really hurt teams,” said Jim.
“We didn’t utilise Jesse and Calvin’s pace nearly enough at Hibs but they are still young and they are still learning their positions.
“We have that pace, though, and if you take our three midfielders last Saturday, although Paul McGowan doubled up as a striker because of the system we wanted to play, you look at Martin Woods, you look at Glen Kamara you look at Paul McGowan, every one of them can pick a pass.
“They are clever players and they can spot a pass, so if we make the runs early enough we can use that. We have Kenny Miller’s nous as well because he makes clever runs up front.”
Looking towards Wednesday’s vital home clash with Hamilton, Jim will have the same squad as was on duty in the capital to pick from.
“There were a few bumps and bruises but nothing serious and they should all be OK.”
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.