Dundee have received a major boost with the news that Colin Nish will be staying until the summer.
The big striker’s loan deal was due to run out in the new year but Dens boss Barry Smith has reached agreement with Hartlepool manager John Hughes to hang on to Nish.
The former Dunfermline, Hibs and Kilmarnock man missed both the Scottish Cup tie at Livingston and the derby against Dundee United because of suspension but will be back in the side to face Ross County on Saturday.
Smith is understandably delighted to be keeping Nish for a longer spell.
He said: ”It’s pretty much been agreed (with Hartlepool).
”John Hughes has said yes and it’s just a case of the Hartlepool chief executive getting back to us to finalise the financial side of things.
”It will obviously also be a boost to get him back for Saturday’s game up at Ross County.
”He’s done very well for us since coming here and gives us a different attacking option.
”Colin is a good lad and is popular in the dressing-room so it’s good for everyone to have him available again.”
Smith is urging his players to rid themselves of any derby defeat hangover, given the importance of this weekend’s trip to Dingwall.
He added: ”We have to forget about the derby disappointment quickly and we will do that.
”The next game is always the most important one in football so it’s all about turning our attention towards Ross County and hopefully getting a positive result.
”I will have no problem lifting the boys for the weekend, irrespective of what’s happened.
”There were still positives to take from the Dundee United game and if we can fix the negatives we will be fine.
”I think the one disappointing thing for us in the second half was that we didn’t play as much football as we normally do.
”We kind of played into United’s hands, which maybe came down to the occasion and what was at stake.
”But hopefully we can get back to doing what we’re good at up at County.”
Meanwhile, striker Steven Milne has torn a muscle in his stomach area but may still be available for the clash against the Staggies.
Long-term injury absentee Mark Stewart is set to resume full-time training this week, after being sidelined for weeks following a knee operation.
On the down side, midfielder Iain Davidson’s booking against United has moved him through the penalty barrier and he will be banned for the Boxing Day clash against Celtic at Dens.