Dundee boss Barry Smith has admitted it will be some time before he is ready to make teenage striker Leighton McIntosh a regular fixture in his side.
The 18-year-old came off the bench to help Dundee battle back from being a goal behind to beat Arbroath in the Ramsdens Cup on Saturday at Gayfield.
McIntosh also played a key role towards the end of last season as he helped the Dark Blues win their defiant fight for first division survival.
Expectation levels about the player have risen among fans, but Smith is urging caution and insists he is keen to continue to carefully nurture the player as he completes his footballing education.
“Leighton’s still a young boy,” he said.
“He has a lot to learn, but he’s certainly given himself a chance.”‘Desperate to play’He added, “People shouldn’t forget he’s only coming up for 19, but as long as he’s eager to listen, then he will get there.
“He’s obviously desperate to play and I wouldn’t have it any other way I want hungry players.
“But it’s my choice just now and I’ll keep monitoring the situation for the time being.”
McIntosh’s fellow striker, Graham Bayne, missed the game at Arbroath with a calf injury, but Smith is hoping to have him back for this weekend’s Scottish Communities League cup clash away to Dumbarton.
He said, “It will be a boost to get Bayney back for his experience.
“He should be okay for Saturday.”