Dundee striker Zach Robinson has “competition breathing down his neck” says manager Gary Bowyer.
The on-loan striker has shot himself to the top of the club’s scoring charts this season.
But he remains a doubt for the crunch weekend clash at Partick Thistle after falling ill during last Friday’s 2-2 draw at Queen’s Park.
Robinson has returned to training along with Tyler French, who missed the trip to face the Spiders with the sickness bug that has spread through the squad in recent weeks.
Sickness bug
“We’ve had one or two off still with this bug. As of today (Thursday), everyone is back,” said Bowyer.
“For a couple of them it was their first day back, including Zach Robinson, so we’ll see how they are.
“The main thing with the players not being very well is they aren’t eating so their energy levels are down.”
Competition
Robinson has impressed in his short time at Dens Park, scoring five times in 16 appearances, but Bowyer is keen to see more from the 20-year-old.
“This is his first proper season playing at this level regularly. He’s done well,” said his manager.
“We’ve sat down with him and identified areas where we feel he can still improve.
“He’s only a young lad, he works hard and he’s been a good player for us.
“There is competition breathing down his neck now.”
Alex Jakubiak
Among that competition is Zak Rudden, who has four league goals to his name, Cillian Sheridan and new signing Derick Osei, who scored his first Dundee goal last week.
Also pushing for a return is former Scotland U/19 international Alex Jakubiak.
Jakubiak’s bad luck with injuries has continued this season with his last start coming at the start of August at Raith Rovers.
However, he is now back fit and scored twice in a reserve win over Queen’s Park on Tuesday.
“Good, really pleased for him,” Bowyer said of the former Watford man.
“He’s been on the bench but for him to get a couple of goals for the reserves in midweek will have done him the world of good in terms of confidence.
“Both him and Shaun Byrne haven’t played 90 minutes in a long time so we have to be careful with them.
“Raith was the last game they played.
“We have to make sure we don’t rush them too quickly but both are going the right way.”
Paul McGowan
Experienced midfielder Paul McGowan, meanwhile, will miss Saturday’s trip to Firhill as he struggles to shake off a knee injury.
The 35-year-old has been on light duties this week but there is no timescale for his return.
“It’s one of these injuries where unfortunately the only cure is time,” Bowyer added.
“He just has to be patient and to ensure the work he can do he is on top of.
“So when he does get the all-clear to resume training he can jump straight back in.”
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