Dundee boss Steven Pressley wants no Scotland distractions for Jon McCracken as he provides Luke Graham injury update.

The Dark Blues manager reacted to the draw at Kilmarnock, explaining Ryan Astley’s 14-minute absence.

After praising his custodian in the 0-0 draw at Kilmarnock, Steven Pressley insists he doesn’t want Scotland to distract Jon McCracken.

Dundee’s No. 1 made some impressive saves to keep Killie out, twice denying David Watson in the second half.

Scotland’s lack of goalkeeping options poses a significant challenge for national team manager Steve Clarke ahead of his squad announcement on Monday.

McCracken earned his first call-up last season after a strong start with Dundee.

At the moment, however, his new boss is keen to keep McCracken focused on performing for the Dark Blues.

“I don’t want to say that too early on,” Pressley said when asked about McCracken’s chances in Scotland.

“I told the group before the game that the feeling we had after the Rangers game is something that great players have every week. “It can’t be done sporadically. “For Jon, it’s three games.

“He’s come in and done extremely well in those three games — there’s no doubt about it. “I want Jon to do it over several seasons. “To be honest, I don’t really want distractions with him right now.

“I don’t think he needs that right now.” “I believe he needs to show consistency not just in three games, but throughout the season. “But I thought he did very well today.”

Laying foundations

McCracken denied Ben Brannan in the first few minutes and went on to make five saves in a hard-fought 90 minutes.

Pressley admits he expects much more from his team on the ball, despite some positive moments in the first half.

On 21 minutes, VAR ruled Joe Westley’s goal offside after a fine move, and Yan Dhanda fired a fizzing effort just wide of the post on the half-hour mark.

But he was pleased with the defensive performance at Rugby Park. “I would say another good point on the road,” Pressley said. “There’s a lot more growth to come. “However, I believe that good foundations are necessary for growth.

“I have to say that I thought the group’s resilience and attitude were amazing again.

“Yes, we rode our luck on one or two occasions, but I believe we demonstrated incredible resilience.

“I believe that with those types of foundations, we have a chance. “We need to improve our ball-handling. We must improve offensively.

We are aware of that. “When you consider the start to the season, the situation that we were in, I think taking a point here and a point at Ibrox is a good starting point.”

Why was Ryan Astley off for 14 minutes?

Dundee’s resilience was tested throughout but none more so than across a 14-minute stretch in the first half where they played with 10 men.

During that time, they even scored the disallowed goal. Pressley explained why it took so long for Astley to return.

“Initially, it was just stitches,” he said. “We thought it would only be three or four minutes. “Then it changed, and it continued. I’m not sure what it was. “It took a long time, which was less than ideal.

“However, when he came on, he stepped up to the challenge. I believe he’s also been a real star for us in the first three games.

Luke Graham injury

Luke Graham, on the other side of the defence, limped off after 73 minutes with a hamstring injury.

Will he be a doubt in the Derby next weekend? “I don’t know as of yet,” Pressley replied. “I hope so. He has been brilliant.

He’s another player I’m very excited to work with. “But I think he’ll be okay. I asked him after the game if he was okay, and he said yes.

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