Dundee boss Paul Hartley would have “no fears whatsoever” about giving young forward Craig Wighton his first start of the season against Celtic tonight.
The 18-year-old is a different player to the one who failed to shine against the Hoops just over a year ago in a Scottish Cup tie at Dens, according to his manager.
And his recent substitute appearances since returning from a loan at Raith Rovers have convinced Hartley that Wighton is ready to feature in what could be a much-changed Dark Blues’ line-up.
“His physicality has changed and he’s gained experience,” Hartley said.
“It’s vital to have these loan periods. He’s come back much better. Even when you’re not playing every week it’s an important experience for him.
“Gradually I’ve seen that he’s looking really sharp for us. I saw it against Inverness and Dumbarton. “I’ve seen real promise in the last couple of weeks when he’s come on.
“I’d have no fears whatsoever about starting Craig.
“He’s shown in the last couple of games that he’s physically changed since he’s been away.
“He’s had two loan periods that have been different for him.
“Brechin was a bit short term but it was an experience as far as the physicality side, and playing against seasoned professionals.
“And then he went to Raith where he didn’t play as much. But it’s all a learning curve and I’ve said that to Craig.
“He’s been on the scene here since he was 15 or 16 and the expectation has been ‘get him in the team’ and ‘play him week in, week out’. But I’ve not burned him out. I’ve tried to manage him but there comes a time when he’ll get in the team and he’ll stay in the team.
“We’ve changed his position because of the shape that we’ve played so he’s had to learn that also. He’s come off the side where Stewart has been playing. That’s a different experience for him.”
If Wighton plays against the league leaders, it will be as part of a squad rotation that Hartley believes is the right way to cope with a busy schedule.
The absence of regular centre-backs Darren O’Dea and Thomas Konrad at Parkhead, however, will be enforced.
“Konrad felt his ankle a little bit in training so he’s ruled out,” Hartley reported. “O’Dea won’t play either.
“Darren’s groin isn’t as bad as we first thought. He should be OK for the weekend. I’m not sure about Thomas.
“It was important he got the scan just to make sure because you always worry when it’s a groin injury. But he did the right thing coming off on Saturday, and we’ve got an excellent physio here.
“We’ll look at the squad and see how we can put a team together.
“We’ve had to put different plans in place for the Celtic match. We have to use the whole squad over the next period.
“When you’re going to Glasgow twice in three days to face Celtic and Rangers there’s going to be a lot of energy taken out of you.
“We have to get the right balance. It’s a good challenge.
“You have to test yourself as a manager. They’ll be two totally different games but two that we’re really excited about.
He added: “When you go to Celtic you’re going to be tested. The players will be tested on Wednesday night, that’s for sure.
“You have to work hard to get the ball and show composure when you’re in possession.
“The players will have to bring their A game.
“It’s a chance for other players who haven’t been playing to maybe get a chance.
“It’s an important game and we’re on a good run. So we’re caught in between things a bit.
“But we have to look at the squad as a whole and try and pick the best team for Wednesday night and the best team for Saturday.
“Since we beat Dumbarton it’s been a case of how do we approach our team selection and systems?
“It’s sort of kept me up every night. What do I do? What’s best for the team and the players?
“There’s not a lot of rest time between the two games.
“We’ve had Saturday against Killie then Dumbarton in midweek, and now Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday.”