Former Dundee boss Jim Duffy has tipped new Dens Park signing Declan Gallagher to be a success at the club.
Duffy was the 21-year-old’s manager at Clyde last season and he admitted he was sad to see the player leave Broadwood.
However, he knew the former Celtic youth centre-half was determined to pursue his footballing dreams and he is certain Gallagher possesses all the qualities required to be a big hit with the Dark Blues.
Duffy said: ”We were very sorry to see Declan leave the club but, when he came here, we realised he was ambitious and was desperate to get back to full-time football, something he has now achieved with Dundee.
”He is only 21 and still has a lot to learn but he has many good attributes. He is very much a modern-day centre-half and is comfortable on the ball. He isn’t a ‘Row Z’ defender but that’s something he maybe has to learn the right time to take the ball out of the firing line.
”Although Declan does like to get the ball down and passes it well, he is also good in the air and isn’t afraid to put his foot in. His positioning is good and he has loads of potential.”
Clyde are two divisions below Dundee. However, Duffy believes Gallagher will be able to handle the increased pressure and pace of his new environment, especially with the Dark Blues management team of boss Barry Smith and his assistant Ray Farningham now overseeing his development.
Duffy added: ”I’m sure Declan will take the step up in his stride. He is physically strong and has a lot of self-belief.”