Kelvin Jack's absence causes concern for Dundee
By Graeme Dey (Dundee Courier)
Dundee face being plunged into a goalkeeping crisis ahead of their August 20 clash with Queen of the South.
Present holder of the number one jersey, Kelvin Jack, heads across the Atlantic immediately after this weekend’s game at Clyde to prepare for Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup clash with the USA.
And he isn’t due back in Dundee until the eve of the Doonhamers’ visit.
That’s a concern for manager Jim Duffy who, with Derek Soutar sidelined, only has 17-year-old Scott Murray as cover.
Duffy knows from last season—when Brent Sancho was travelling back and forth from that part of the world—how difficult a situation it can be and he admits he’ll be keeping tabs on it.
“Derek isn’t close to being ready to play again and if anything were to happen with Kelvin then we’d only have Scott for the Queen of the South game.
“Hopefully, everything will work out but weather or mechanical problems can disrupt travel.
“We had Brent miss a match or two last season through not getting back here in time. Even if things go to plan it’ll be the Friday night before we know that we have Kelvin available.”
Meanwhile, Duffy is hoping Tom Hutchinson is now ready to get his career back on track after a catalogue of injuries ruined his original spell at Dens.
Hutchinson’s services were retained during the summer, but only on a three-month contract.
But the Dundee boss was encouraged by his contribution against St Mirren.
“If Tom keeps putting in performances then hopefully we’ll be able to sort out something more permanent,” he said.
“He’s only 22 and there is no doubting the fact he is a good defender—he’s just been unlucky with injuries.”