Gary Bowyer has challenged Paul McMullan to score 10 goals or more in a season for the first time in his career.
The Dundee winger has four to his name so far in this campaign and has netted in his last two games against Hamilton and Airdrie.
McMullan’s fine form was recognised when he was named the Cinch Championship player of the month for November earlier this week.
And boss Bowyer – who made it a Dundee double by picking up the manager of the month accolade – is demanding even more from the 26-year-old who is top of the league in terms of assists.
Bowyer said: “I am delighted for Paul personally.
“The number of assists that he has contributed so far this season has been fantastic.
“He has also added goals to his game and we have challenged him to get double figures.
“He is well on the way to achieving that which is something he has never done in his career before.
“I think nine is the maximum he has ever had.
“So that is a good target for him now, to add to it and kick on.”
Bowyer confessed he was surprised the pacy McMullan hasn’t scored more goals considering the threat he possesses.
The 51-year-old added: “Yes, Paul should score more. When you look at the opportunities he has had this season, he could have had 10 already.
“Last week he scored but he had his header and the one at the back post where he should have done better.
“There are other games where we have thought he should score there or do better.
“But that’s something he is working on and looking to add to his game – he is going the right way at the moment.
“I am pleased with the impact he is making in games both with his assists and goals but we want more from him.”
Bowyer admitted that was taken aback with his own award adding: “It surprised me as we had only played three league games in that time.
“We managed to win all three and it is a reflection on the help and support you get from the players and the staff when you pick up an award.
“But there is still a lot more football to play and we have to get back at it on Saturday.”
‘Big pitch’ in Inverness
Tomorrow’s game is against Inverness in the Highlands with Dundee looking to extend their Championship unbeaten run to eight games.
However, Bowyer is definitely taking nothing for granted against Billy Dodds’ side who beat the Dark Blues at Dens in September.
Bowyer said: “Inverness went on a fantastic run and won five in a row earlier this season.
“But I am looking forward to going up there, it is somewhere I have never been before.
“From what I have seen, it looks like it is a nice, big pitch.
“Hopefully if the weather holds, it will be two good footballing teams having a right go at each other.
“We are going into the game full of momentum and confidence but at the same time looking to improve.”
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