(Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
Dundee boss James McPake thinks Zak Rudden can go on and be as good as Scotland strike duo Kevin Nisbet and Lawrence Shankland after the former Rangers kid signed a pre-contract with the Dens Park side.
McPake admitted he’s been after the former Rangers kid for a while and had named his as one of three strikers he wanted to sign when he initially took the manager’s job at Dundee – with Nisbet and Shankland the others on his list.
After finally getting his man, McPake is excited to work with Rudden; believing that at only 21 he has plenty of room to improve and develop as a player.
While Partick Thistle boss Ian McCall admitted that Rudden could still move this month if the right price is offered, McPake was adamant the ball was in the Jags’ court over a move this month for the Scotland under-21 star.
“When I put my presentation to the board to get the job, Zak Rudden was one of three strikers I wanted to sign,” McPake said.
“I don’t mind saying the other two were Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet, who we missed out on and they’ve gone and done well elsewhere.
“I believe Zak can go on and do well as well. He is a Partick Thistle player until the end of the season.
“If that changes, who knows? If they aren’t going to sell him then fair enough, I’m looking forward to working with him.
“That’s a player I’ve known for a while. Having spoken to him he’s hungry to come here and do well in the Premiership.
“I hope he’s here but at the end of the day it’s a long-term signing for the football club and, in my view, a really good investment.
“He’s 21 and has done a lot in his career so far that is very positive. We’ve tried to get him a couple of times before so we’re delighted we’ve eventually got him on a pre-contract.
“Will it happen sooner? That’s up to Partick Thistle.”
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