Dundee moved quickly to fill the void left by Tyler French’s injury to bring in Motherwell man Barry Maguire.
Only one game has passed since French suffered a broken leg as the Dark Blues were knocked out of the Scottish Cup last Saturday.
However, there’s been no hanging about from manager Gary Bowyer in bringing in reinforcements.
Maguire has signed on loan until the end of the season after playing just 14 times for the Steelmen this term and not starting since October.
That desire to get back on the pitch has been key for the Dens boss.
And so has the ability to play in both midfield and defence.
“I’m delighted to have him in the building, it all happened very quickly,” Bowyer told Courier Sport today.
“We’re grateful to Motherwell for letting us have him.
“He’s a good player, he gives us some size, some energy and flexibility in that he can play in a couple of positions.
“Right now that’s really important to us.
“He’s been in the building today and I really like him. We spoke on the phone and he couldn’t get up here quick enough.
“He is really keen to play football and we are delighted to have him.
Tyler French
“Barry has played both defence and midfield, which appealed to us, obviously with the loss of Frenchie.
“Tyler has had his operation and it’s gone well, we’ve managed to get him home down south and Stewart Brand from the tannoy at Dens helped us with that. We really appreciate that.
Big Setbacks are made for big comebacks can’t thank everyone enough for the support giving me strength in a time your mind worries so much but I have nothing to worry about only things to look forward too now hard work will begin to get myself back on the pitch asap 💙🙏🤝 pic.twitter.com/dzxwb34dng
— Tyler French (@tylerfr3nch) January 23, 2023
“We’ll keep in contact with him and support him.
“But losing a player like Tyler and his flexibility and adaptability in a number of positions it was important we brought someone in.
“Barry fits that bill.”
More to come?
Will there be any more before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday night?
Bowyer hopes so, particularly with the injury crisis the squad is suffering.
“I would like a couple more in,” he confirmed.
“We have 19 outfield players so I think we do need to bring in a couple more bodies.”
Any leaving?
Five players have departed this month – Zach Robinson was recalled while Joe Grayson’s loan was ended, Derick Osei released and Niall McGinn moved to Glentoran.
Youngster Luke Strachan also joined Alloa Athletic on loan.
Bowyer, though, hasn’t ruled out any more departures before the end of the month.
Asked if any more would be leaving, he replied: “It depends, I’ve had to be creative already.
“If someone comes in and it suits us to be creative then we’ll try to do that.”
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