Tony Docherty relishes selection headache for Dundee derby by talking up ‘hugely talented’ young star

The Premiership season begins this Sunday with a mouth-watering derby at Tannadice.

Tony Docherty admits Dundee’s performances in the Premier Sports Cup have given him a selection headache ahead of this weekend’s derby.

On Sunday, the Dark Blues will face rivals Dundee United in the first game of their 2024/25 Premiership season.

They enter the game after four consecutive victories and 18 goals scored.

The most recent was a 6-0 victory over struggling Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday.

Docherty changed his starting lineup four times that game, with Trevor Carson making his season debut and keeping a clean sheet.

In front of him, Luke Graham impressed on his first-team debut, while Seb Palmer-Houlden made his first start since joining on loan from Bristol City.

He scored twice, while Josh Mulligan had a chance from the start and was named Man of the Match for his performance in central midfield.

A selection headache, indeed.

Docherty, on the other hand, welcomes the challenge of making difficult decisions.

“It will be difficult to pick the team but that’s brilliant – that’s what you want as a manager,” he told reporters.

“I’ve said from day one that I want my team to be competitive all the time and I want healthy competition within the squad.

“That’s what I’m getting.

“On Saturday, Josh Mulligan put in a really strong performance. Josh and the others like Fin Robertson, the pleasing thing for me is everyone in the squad is contributing.

“It’s not an individual player thing, it’s a collective effort.

“Trevor Carson came in and got a clean sheet.

“I’m pleased with the contribution from the whole squad.”

‘Hugely talented player’

Mulligan, in particular, terrorised Inverness’ midfield and defence with his powerful running through the middle of the park.

Following the game, the Dundee academy product expressed his hope that he had done enough to earn a derby call this weekend.

And his manager did not hide his delight with the Scotland U/21 player’s performance.

“Josh has probably been a victim of other players doing so well in front of him last season,” said Docherty.

“He’s a hugely talented player. He has such an ability to eliminate players with his strength and great feet.

“I was really pleased with Josh on Saturday, his performance level was excellent.

“As I say, the whole squad is contributing and that is very pleasing as manager.”

GET MORE RELATED CONTENT HERE