Dundee Manager Tony Docherty Discusses Squad Health, Fixture Congestion, and Joe Shaughnessy’s Return

Tony Docherty, manager of Dundee, addressed the media in advance of his team’s Premiership fixture against Rangers this weekend. The following are the principal statements from the Dark Blues’ boss: An illness affected approximately eight members of the squad earlier this week; however, Docherty indicated he is “close to getting everybody back.” Oluwaseun Adewumi did not participate in training with the team following an injury sustained at Tynecastle in the previous match and is considered doubtful for the Ibrox game. Scott Fraser and Clark Robertson will not be available for the fixture at Ibrox, while Ziyad Larkeche and Joe Shaughnessy continue to be sidelined. Docherty expressed his intention to finalize an agreement with Burnley to prolong Oluwaseun Adewumi’s loan period past January. Discussions concerning contracts for several players are “ongoing,” alongside strategic planning for player recruitment during the January transfer window. Although the recent defeat to Hearts impeded Dundee’s “momentum,” Docherty noted that the team maintains its position as third in the current form guide. He further stated: “It was a little bit frustrating having the [two-week] break but we’ve spent the time well. We’ve done a lot of work on the training ground and in the analysis room so we feel good going into this next batch of games.” The manager characterized the impending sequence of matches as a “challenging time” for Dundee, elaborating: “We’ve got seven games in 24 days and two of those are against Rangers and one against Celtic.” Docherty additionally commented: “It’s difficult, it asks questions of the squad but it’s why we’ve assembled the squad. We don’t have the biggest squad but we have real quality and competition for places and that will be called upon now.” The Dens boss anticipates a formidable challenge against a Rangers team still affected by their League Cup final loss, but affirmed that Dundee will not be traveling to Ibrox merely to “make up numbers.” Docherty insisted: “They’ve shown really good form in recent games, but so have our team.” Addressing Joe Shaughnessy’s commencement of light training after a long-term injury, Docherty remarked: “Delighted. Great for Joe and the squad to see him on the training ground and taking part in sessions now, although it’s limited what he does. Joe is a great presence, my first signing, such an inspirational character and having him on the training ground with us is a lift for the players.”