Dundee star not focusing on new contract as another extends Dens Park stay

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Dundee were relatively busy across the January transfer window with a number of ins and outs at Dens Park over the last month.

Boss Tony Docherty and his recruitment staff strengthened the Dundee first-team squad with three new faces and extending the loan deal of another.

That was midfielder Sammy Braybrooke from Leicester City, who will now play out the season with Dundee.

Aaron Donnelly arrived from Premier League high-fliers Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee, as did defender Imari Samuels from Brighton.

In terms of outgoings, Curtis Main was the biggest exit as his contract was terminated before signing for Championship title challengers Ayr United.

Sean Kelly and Julian Vetro also left the club in January with business now over and full focus turning to the club’s Premiership campaign.

Some of the attention behind the scenes will turn to contract extensions and one player who is yet to commit his future to Dundee is Josh Mulligan.

• READ MORE: Scott Brown responds to Motherwell job links with strong Ayr United message

Josh Mulligan & Finlay Robertson Dundee contract latest

Mulligan has been key down Dundee’s right side of midfield this season and has four assists to his name so far in the Premiership.

The 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has been recently quizzed on his future by The Courier.

But he insists contract talks are not on his mind at the moment and wants to leave the stuff to his agent to sort out, which isn’t a great sign for Dundee fans.

Mulligan has said: “I have not really spoken to my agent about it, I’ve left him to deal with it. I am just focused on the next game, all I’m thinking about is my football.”

The good news for Dundee supporters, however, is that academy graduate Finlay Robertson has signed a new contract that will run until 2027.

Left wing-back Robertson has played 17 league games this season and has three assists, two of which came in the 3-3 draw with Celtic last month.

He also played a massive part in Dundee’s derby Scottish Cup victory over Dundee United having whipped in the delivery for match winner Simon Murray to score.

Robertson told the official Dundee website: “It feels really good to get the contract signed.

“It has been a good season so far, I’ve played a lot of games which is all I want to do. I’ve got a lot of hunger and desire to keep going and keep getting better.

“Having this run of games this season has given me a lot of confidence and like they say the more you play the better you feel.

“This season I’ve played in a number of different positions and I’m happy doing that because for me the main thing is being on the pitch and playing matches.

“The club has given me a lot, I’ve been here since I was 11, and they have believed in me when maybe others didn’t.

“I really appreciate the club for what they have given me and I just want to repay them with good performances.”

Tony Docherty defends Lyall Cameron

Elsewhere, Dundee manager Tony Docherty has been fielding questions about midfielder Lyall Cameron’s decision to pen a pre-contract with Rangers.

Cameron signed the arrangement on deadline day and will move to Ibrox in the summer upon the expiration of his Dundee contract.

Dundee fans have been critical of the situation, but Docherty has defended Cameron’s move and has told fans to enjoy the rest of his talents before he departs.

Docherty said: “It’s no surprise that Lyall has signed for Rangers and it’s credit to him for the level of consistency and how good his performances have been. It’s the nature of the industry we’re in, if you’re doing well you’ll attract attention.

“I think we should enjoy the time we have left with him and appreciate what he’s brought to this football club because he’s such a talented footballer.

“Lyall is someone who wants to improve himself all the time, that was obvious to me the minute I came in the door. He’s now had the rewards for that.

“He’s a brilliant person so I know how committed he will be until the end of the season. I have no worries about him at all, none. I can guarantee he will give 100% for Dundee in every game he plays.”