Dundee manager Gary Bowyer was delighted to finally get a first look at central defender Lee Ashcroft after he made his long-awaited return at Raith Rovers.
The Dens Park boss has been hugely impressed by the attitude of the 28-year-old as he made his comeback from injury.
The 2019/20 Player of the Year was a major absence in last season’s Premiership campaign as the Dark Blues dropped back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
But he returned to the bench for last week’s league opener against Partick Thistle, his first matchday squad in five months.
And followed that up with a late substitute appearance at Stark’s Park on Saturday as Dundee looked to hold their 1-0 lead – just his fourth outing since last November.
Midfield? ‘Stick me in’
It may have been an unfamiliar position as he replaced midfielder Max Anderson for the final eight minutes.
However, manager Bowyer revealed the big defender was more than willing to take on a defensive midfield role to get himself back into the action.
“Delighted to see him on the pitch,” the Dundee boss said.
“I haven’t seen him (on the pitch) but his attitude and how he is about the place is great.
“To stick him on in front of the back four, I asked him if he could do it and he said ‘stick me in’.
“That attitude alone is something that will help us.
“I thought he was terrific in the time he was on.”
Conversation