Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes midfielder Craig Storie can shine for the Dons if he can remain injury-free.
After a series of impressive displays for Paul Sheerin’s development team, the 19-year-old was rewarded with a place on the bench in Saturday’s 3-1 win against Ross County.
Storie was brought on with two minutes remaining and cleared a goal-bound Martin Woods header off the line with his first touch.
His good form continued in the SPFL development league on Tuesday when he scored a superb free kick for the under-20s side in a 2-0 victory at Kilmarnock.
McInnes has high hopes for Storie, who turned down an approach from Manchester United to sign his first professional contract with Aberdeen, believing Pittodrie would be the best place for his development.
Storie, who spent time on loan at Brechin City earlier this year, struggled for fitness last season because of a knee injury.
McInnes said: “Craig has been unfortunate with injuries so hopefully he can stay injury-free and get a run at it.
“We are seeing the benefit now of him being in good condition.
“Hopefully that continues as he is a player I have always liked. He is someone I identified when I came in and gave him his debut straight away.
“I like his style and how he plays the game. He is competitive but handles possession so well.
“He did well against Ross County and cleared one off the line near the end. He is a player we are eager to work closely with to improve.
“If he can stay injury-free then he has got a chance.”
McInnes is anticipating a difficult match at Dens Park on Saturday against a Dundee side which has become the draw specialists in Scotland’s top flight.
Eight of the Dark Blues’ 16 league matches have ended level with five of the previous six games finishing 1-1.
McInnes added: “I have watched Dundee’s last couple of matches at two tough venues, Hearts and St Johnstone, and they deserved a point from both.
“They have shown their capabilities this season and on their day can give anybody a game.
“Any time you get anything against Dundee you have to work hard for it.
“But we know if we can replicate the second-half performance against Ross County we will have a chance of winning.”