Dundee 24h on

Last updated : 15 December 2002 By Firparkcorner

With Pearson and Partridge still unavailable, Terry Butcher had little choice but to stick with the team that played at Aberdeen. Dougie Ramsey returned to the bench but Paul Quinn was given a boost by staying at right back. The willingness of Butcher to stick with the youngsters, even when other options are available, will give them heart. It proves that they are part of the squad and they now realise that they can do more than make up the numbers. There is also the added bonus that Quinn looks a fairly competent right back - he certainly had a much better game than Stevie Hammell did on the other side!

It was interesting to note that along with Martyn Corrigan(a veteran, age 25), our defence contained players aged 17, 18 and 20. Even ‘keeper Frankie DuBourdeau has only just turned 22. Frankie is turning into an excellent goalie and pulled off another couple of great saves. What is even better is that he is now beginning to come for crosses on a regular basis and looks very comfortable collecting free kicks and corners. We have struggled because we lacked a dominant goalie for years. Could he be the answer to our problems? He certainly looks like it so far.

The midfield is something of a slight concern. It is all very well playing McFadden behind two strikers but it does leave the midfield outnumbered. Yesterday we conceded an awful lot of possession to Dundee and while we handled them well, we were inviting pressure on ourselves. There is only so long we can do this - particularly with our inexperience - before mistakes are made.

McFadden was sensational in the first half and was unlucky not to have a goal or assist to show for his effort. He was contained more in the second half but it still looks like he is beginning to get back to his best. He had a poor game the last time we played Dunfermline and he will fancy showing them what he can do next week. With Pearson’s return strengthening the midfield and possibly Partridge coming back into the defence, we should be confident of taking something. With Dundee United taking on Hearts, there is the possibility of us even moving off the bottom of the table - heady days indeed!