Dundee boss Tony Docherty applauded the attitude of goalscorer Lee Ashcroft after his header earned a point at Aberdeen.
The Dens gaffer wanted more than the draw after being delighted with his team’s second-half display at Pittodrie.
But he says the attitude and mentality shown by his team in getting back into the game was exemplified by Ashcroft.
The experienced defender has been a backup for much of this season and didn’t feature between August and January.
That prompted Championship sides to express an interest in the defender at the start of the month.
However, injuries have struck in the Dundee backline and Ashcroft’s patience has paid off.
He came in against Kilmarnock as the Dee returned from their winter break and has started the last four matches.
And Docherty is delighted with the 30-year-old defender.
“Brilliant attitude, brilliant mentality,” he said of Ashcroft.
“I’ve said a lot about having good young players but I’ve also got really good senior pros.
“It’s about developing a culture within the football club. There is a good mentality, a winning mentality.
“I just wish they’d got their rewards against Aberdeen because they put so much into the game.
“It’s been such a tight schedule of games and we were missing eight players going into that match.
“With that in mind, I should come away happy with a point but I’m a little bit greedy.”
Players back?
The relentless schedule continues for the Dark Blues with Hearts coming to Dens Park on Saturday before a trip to St Mirren next Wednesday.
But Docherty hopes to have more bodies back available after naming two goalkeepers on the bench at Pittodrie due to lack of outfield numbers.
The Dundee boss added: “Luke McCowan will certainly be back from suspension.
“Michael Mellon we hope will be back, we saw a real cutting edge from him at Livingston.
“Possibly Ricki Lamie as well.
“So we will hopefully have some back.
“To come through the way we did and be disappointed with just a point despite missing eight players shows where we are at this moment.”
The point at Pittodrie moved Dundee above Hibs on goal difference and into the top six.
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