Dundee boss Neil McCann confident Josh Meekings will make an impact

DUNDEE boss Neil McCann is confident Josh Meekings is back to full fitness after coming through his debut against Celtic.

The centre-back joined the club in the summer but had not played a game since 2016 after suffering a knee injury with Inverness.

However after making a gradual return to training with the Dee, McCann threw Meekings in at the deep end and was rewarded with a promising performance at Celtic Park last Saturday.

The former Rangers midfielder admitted there could still be complications following the injury, but was encouraged by his latest addition.

“Josh Meekings was outstanding on Saturday, considering he hasn’t played a first team game since about January,” he said.

Nemanja Matic says Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is the ‘best coach I’ve ever worked with’

“We have spent a lot of time on him, not only physically but mentally, and to throw him in against Celtic was not an easy decision because I had to leave out one of my top defenders in Kerr Waddell.

“It was a tough decision but I felt Josh stepped in and got better and stronger as the game went on. I think he enjoyed it and he will make an impact for us this season without a doubt.”

He added: “We will have to manage it, of course.

“You’re not out for that length of time and expect everything to be running smoothly.

‘We will use that as our motivation’: Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson hopes to prove doubters wrong against Rangers

“Having been there before myself and having bad injuries, you get silly niggles after. When you come back you ride such a wave and a high, and then there’s a dip and physically that’s draining.

“I have to manage that and make sure he is looked after, and make sure I’m not flogging a dead horse when he needs a rest, but we have such good numbers that we can rotate it if he needs.”

Dee, who have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks after a slow start to the season, face Partick Thistle on Saturday who remain without a win this season.

McCann admitted he was surprised to see Alan Archibald’s side struggling so much, so early in the campaign.

Celtic keeper Craig Gordon says team have to handle fixture pile-up

He said: “I’m surprised given how well they did last season getting into the top six.

“Alan Archibald had a fantastic season, he’s done a great job at Partick Thistle but there are contributing factors.

“Injury problems can hamper you and a lack of confidence when you’re not winning games can have an impact, I understand it.

“But all runs come to an end – unless you’re Celtic! Alan will be looking to start that, but I’ll be looking to make sure it’s not on our watch.”