Dundee’s Clarkson thriving in number nine role

Dundee boss Paul Hartley believes David Clarkson has proved more than a few doubters wrong with his performances and goals in recent weeks.

The 29-year-old opened the scoring against Hamilton on Saturday, his fourth counter in as many games.

That prolific spell is due in no small part to the manager’s decision to play the former Scotland front man as an out-and-out striker following a frustrating couple of years for the player being selected out of position at Bristol City and Bristol Rovers.

Clarkson had spells training during the summer with St Johnstone and the club where his career began, Motherwell, but was not offered a deal by either side.

However, his former team-mate Hartley had no hesitation in snapping him up.

He said: “There were questions marks when we signed him as nobody had taken a chance on him.

“He had been in at Motherwell and St Johnstone training but I knew all about Clarky’s quality having played alongside him at Bristol City.

“He was never played as the main striker there but we knew if we could get him fit and sharp, he would be a really good addition for us and he has proved that so far.

“Without a shadow, he is a No.9. He is not a wide player.