Alex Smith has handed his Scotland Under-21 international goalkeeper Paul Gallacher a major vote of confidence by backing his claim as replacement for absent regular Alan Combe for the next two games.
The Tannadice boss announced today that the youngster will retain the first team slot he filled against Motherwell earlier this month, when the Tangerines head into Scottish Cup action on Saturday and Gallacher will also keep goal in next midweek's city derby clash with Dundee at Dens Park.
Canadian international Pat Onstad was Smith's other candidate for the job. Said the Manager, "Paul is the man in possession and did really well when keeping a clean sheet in the Motherwell game. I have every confidence that he will continue to perform well in the games ahead."