Dundee boss Jim McIntyre has been dealt a big blow after it was confirmed yesterday that new signing Andrew Davies has broken a bone in his foot.
The 34-year-old only joined the Dark Blues last Thursday after leaving Hartlepool United and was drafted in to play in a bounce game against St Johnstone on Saturday.
However, the centre-half had to be stretchered off after just half an hour of the match and McIntyre’s worst fears have now been realised with Davies, who was his skipper when he was in charge at Ross County, set to spend two months on the sidelines.
The manager, though, is set to bolster his squad today with the addition of winger Andy Dales from English outfit Scunthorpe United.
He said last night: “Unfortunately the X-rays have shown up that Andrew has broken his metatarsal and will need an operation.
“That will happen later this week and we are looking at eight weeks out.
“It’s the worst possible news we could have had – it’s a huge blow.
“It’s really frustrating for that type of injury to happen. There’s nothing you can do, there was nobody near him.
“Whenever you make a signing, you’re not looking for him, 30 minutes into his first game, to have that type of injury – it’s just sheer bad luck.
“I will have to look at things and it’s likely we’ll have to bring someone else in now.”
While McIntyre will weigh up whether to add another defensive recruit, the manager has definitely made a move for 24-year-old Dales, who has made 25 appearances, scoring two goals for English League One side Scunthorpe this season.
McIntyre added: “We have agreed a deal to sign Andy Dales and he will arrive tomorrow.
“He is a winger who can play on both sides, so he’ll come here and add competition for places.”
Another Dundee player, goalie Jack Hamilton, is set to undergo surgery today to cure a finger problem.
Meanwhile, Dundee have announced a new five-year kit sponsorship deal with Italian Sportswear Company Macron.