Barry Smith has had no other option but to turn to youth over the last couple of weeks, but the Dundee boss believes short-term necessity could prove to be long-term gain for the Dens Park club.
No fewer than four youngsters have made their debuts in the last two fixtures a situation that wouldn’t have arisen had Smith’s threadbare squad not been further afflicted by a raft of suspensions.
He admitted, though, that being fast-tracked into the first team will do their careers no harm.
The Dark Blues’ manager said, “It was Graham Webster’s debut and Alan Tulleth’s as well.
“It was also the first time that Gary Bartlett and Connor Rennie have played at Dens, after making their debuts the previous week.
“On top of that Kyle Benedictus and Leighton McIntosh haven’t played that many games either.”
He added, “They all did everything we asked of them on Sunday.
“The young lads are getting a chance that they might not have had in other circumstances now that they’ve played we know how far they’ve come.
“We’re not saying they’re the finished article in any shape or form, but they’ve certainly done themselves justice.”
According to Smith the inexperienced group couldn’t have picked a better time to emerge into the spotlight as far as getting wholehearted backing from the stands is concerned.
He said, “We’re fortunate just now that the supporters have been really good and are right behind everybody.
“It’s a good time to have youngsters in the team in that regard.”
He added, “The fans are giving the boys a chance, which is what I’d asked for.
“They are going to make mistakes, but it’s how they react to mistakes that matters and I felt they did that well on Sunday.”