Luke McCowan in talks over Dundee contract extension as Tony Docherty determined to keep key man

Tony Docherty says Luke McCowan has become a key player for Dundee - and they will be looking to extend his Dens Park deal.

The midfielder has stepped up under Docherty and has been transformed from a fringe player to one of their star turns this season. McCowan is out of contract at the end of next season but the Dark Blues want their prize assets tied down long-term. Docherty said: “Luke has been a top performer for me this season. Not just on the pitch but off the pitch he has really advanced himself in terms of leadership and authority in the group.

“He’s a brilliant player for me but also a great team-mate for his team. When you get your good players performing like that you want to keep them at the club. So, yeah, talks are ongoing at the moment. Luke enjoys it here and we all love him. We like working together. It’s a good environment and you want to keep your best players. Luke has areas to improve but we feel here is the right environment for him to do that. That’s something we’ll endeavour to do.”

Dundee have relied heavily on the loan market in their first season up but they have also left the door open for home talent and those coming through their academy.

Docherty explained: “In your first season up after promotion, you have to establish yourself in the division. We have a lot of loan signings to help us. But it’s about trying to create stability in the football club. The first season is so important and we have a long way to go but, so far, progress has been good.

“As a club, we need to create that stability in terms of our own players. That’s what we are doing. So when you get an opportunity to keep your best players with you, you endeavour to do that.

“We are looking at recruitment going forward and it’s