Dundee boss Steven Pressley insists Charlie Reilly will have ‘big part to play’ this season – if he does one thing.

The 23-year-old came back from injury to make a significant impression against Livingston.

Steven Pressley believes Charlie Reilly will be a key player for Dundee this season if he can improve his fitness. The forward has been plagued by injuries since joining from Albion Rovers in 2023 after a fantastic goal-filled season in League Two.

His first season saw him suffer 11 different injuries, while his second season was as frustrating. Then, in the first friendly of the season, he injured his collarbone, missing nearly three months of football.

However, he returned to duty off the bench against Livingston on Saturday and made an immediate impression by winning the penalty that helped Dundee win the game.

‘Big part to play’

Pressley was happy for the 23-year-old and believes he has the talent to achieve at Premier League level. “I hope that gives him a big lift,” remarked the Dundee manager. “He was a player who offered me indicators that he could play a significant role in our season.

“Before coming here, I saw a lot of his film. “He possesses the power to eliminate. He has excellent finishing skills. I believe he is offensively capable. “I believe he’s simply a good technical player.

“He has exceptionally terrific size and athleticism. However, I believe that his fitness and robustness need to increase.

“They go hand in hand. “The fitter you are, the more resilient you are.

Elite level

“I believe that getting him to an outstanding level of fitness will determine his future professional path.

“If we can push him physically to a really high position, somewhere he has never been before, we will see an amazing talent.

“After working with him for the first time, I was impressed. “But he’s been hampered by injuries, and he obviously needs to find his rhythm. He is only 23 years old, but I believe he is a really innovative player.

“He’s a goal-scoring player, and I believe he could play a significant role in our season.” “He had a minor issue after the game, but we’re hoping he’ll be fine.

“If he’s OK, we need to start getting him game minutes starting tonight against Inverness.”

Dundee’s B team travels to the Highland city to face the League One leaders today evening, with Reilly and Aaron Donnelly slated to play in the Challenge Cup match.

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