Dundee boss Paul Hartley could be facing a big defensive problem unless Iain Davidson can recover from injury in time to plug the gap left by the suspended Thomas Konrad.
The German, who was dismissed during Sunday’s derby with Dundee United, is available for Wednesday night’s League Cup tie against the same opponents at Tannadice but will serve a one-game ban when the Dark Blues make the long trip north to face Ross County in Dingwall on Saturday.
Hartley admitted earlier this season that he now sees Davidson as a defender rather than a midfielder and he would have been the natural replacement to come in alongside the club’s only other recognisedcentre-half, James McPake, although that is in doubt unless “Davo” can regain fitness.
Regarding Konrad’s dismissal, Hartley said: “It was a needless sending off for us. That will cost us as we are a bit short in that area right now.
“Davo picked up a foot injury in training on Saturday. We felt we couldn’t risk him.”
Meanwhile, Dundee midfielder Dylan Carreiro has admitted he is hoping he can do enough during his loan spell at Arbroath to convince Hartley that he is ready for Premiership football.
The Canadian under-20 captain marked his first start with the Red Lichties with two goals in their 5-2 success at Clyde on Saturday and Carreiro said: “There are some good players at Arbroath and in the other teams as well so it has been a great move for me.
“All the teams so far have tried to play football and I am really enjoying it.
“I am also hoping that playing here will help me break through at Dundee.”