Hartley has forward role in mind for Dundee new boy Simon Ferry

Dundee boss Paul Hartley sees a more forward-thinking role for Simon Ferry than the new signing has been used to.

The 26-year-old Dundonian has agreed a deal to return to his home city from Portsmouth.

It was Hartley’s sixth signing of the season and the Dens gaffer revealed he is going to push Ferry further up the park than he was used to at Pompey.

Hartley said: “He played the last year as a sitting midfielder but I see his strengths in attacking and going forward with the ball. He is young and dynamic and has proved himself in England at a very decent level.

“I think the fans will really take to him and he is also a Dundee lad so he knows what this club means to the city.”

Ferry, who started his carrer at Celtic, spent the last year at Fratton Park, making 22 appearances and scoring one goal.

Meanwhile, central defender Declan Gallagher has reportedly rejected a new deal from the Dark Blues and will look to move on.

The player signed from Clyde in 2012 and scored four goals in 40 appearances last season.