Dundee striker Craig Wighton’s dinner-time dilemma has perfectly portrayed how tricky the transition from youth player to first-team member can be.
Wighton, 16, who starred and scored in the Dark Blues’ excellent 2-0 home win over Raith Rovers on Saturday, is certainly considered one of the seniors now.
He trained with the main squad on Monday morning but on his return to the ground he sat and waited on the return of the other youths following their own training session instead of joining the big boys for lunch.
It needed an intervention on the part of manager John Brown to tell the down-to-earth Wighton that he should go and take a seat among Matt Lockwood, Gavin Rae, Nicky Riley and the rest.
That, argues manager John Brown, is a sign that the Dark Blues have a grounded young star on their hands.
Brown said: “He was with the first-team lads and they came back earlier so he was hanging about waiting on his pals. It needed me to go and tell him to go and get some food but that is a good sign and shows he is very level-headed.
“He needs to stay level-headed because he is going to have a bright future. He has a hell of a lot going for him and you don’t have to worry about him getting carried away.
“He is not that type of boy and the family are the same, having met his parents and grandad.
“They won’t be chasing a fast buck, put it that way. If the boy keeps progressing, he won’t need to chase it it will all come to him.”
Brown revealed that the older pros in the squad are relishing having such a promising youngster among them.
“The senior players get a lift because they are dealing with a boy who is comfortable on the ball,” added the Dens gaffer.
“He played really well on Saturday and the goal will have done a lot for his confidence.
“Craig was involved in most of the pre-season friendlies and in the majority of squads.
“More experienced players were getting their opportunity in the first team while he was waiting for his chance.
“Now he is more than deserving of getting a start and there won’t be many changes come next weekend.”
Brown revealed frontman Craig Beattie is likely to miss the home match against Falkirk on Saturday, further enhancing Wighton’s chances of retaining the jersey.
“Craig is getting seen by a specialist and will be getting an injection in his back,” added Brown.
“I think he will be touch and go for Saturday but OK for the Hamilton match the following weekend.”
Stephen O’Donnell will get a run-out for the reserves tonight when they play Airdrie as he continues his comeback, while Jamie Reid trained on Monday.
Brown said: “Stephen will get his first start in the reserves against Airdrie. We will be gradually bringing him back in and he will be like a new signing when he gets back in the first team.”
The Dark Blues are casting their eye over potential signings, with Brown confirming: “We have another couple of trialists and between now and January we will have a chance to look at them.”
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Dundee’s home Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Raith will take place on Saturday November 30.
Photo by David Young