Docherty hails Murray influence ahead of crucial trip to Kilmarnock

Dundee manager Tony Docherty embraces striker Simon Murray

Dundee manager Tony Docherty has hailed Simon Murray as a "role model" to younger players in his squad after the striker's second player of the year nomination.

Having been beaten to the PFA Scotland award, Murray is shortlisted for the Scottish Football Writers' Association prize.

The 33-year-old has been an inspirational figure this term for the Dens Park side who, despite his form, sit just two points clear of second-bottom Ross County with three games remaining.

"He's been brilliant," Docherty said.

"He's not just displayed fantastic ability on the pitch, but in the dressing room he's brilliant as well. That's the reason why we went to such lengths to get him here.

"Simon, for me, is a role model for the younger players. The biggest kind of credit I can give Simon Murray is he's really developed as a player.

"Last year, people would say to me he can only play, for example, in the front two. He's showing this season he can adapt to any formation because the qualities that he's got and that doesn't just happen.

"That's as a result of how hard he works during the week, how much he puts into his game, how he loves his life and how he dedicates himself to to the sport and he's now getting the credit that I think he richly deserves.

"The age Simon is, to keep on improving the way he's improving his huge credit to him. That's a role model for the younger ones."

Dundee side face a crucial trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday and Docherty insists his side are in good form despite suffering a controversial defeat against Motherwell last time out.

"I need to emphasise and reinforce we're still in good form. We've won three of our last six games, two of our last four which were against St Mirren and Hearts," he added.

"It's important that we display that resilience and also that quality of play that's allowed us to win three out of six.

"It'll be a really difficult game. We know they're a very difficult opponent. A very organised and competitive team but we need to do our utmost to make sure that our cause is greater."