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Liverpool in Dundee talks over Owen Beck loan recall as Tony Docherty reveals his pitch amid January jeopardy

The full-back could return to Anfield in January after a successful spell in the Scottish Premiership

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Tony Docherty has lifted the lid on the big sell Dundee have given Liverpool loanee Owen Beck over why he should remain at Dens for the rest of the season.


The left-back has lit up the Scottish Premiership in the first half of the campaign and his impressive displays even saw him force his way into the full Wales squad. The 21-year-old is on-loan for the season although there is a January recall option - but Docherty hopes his impressive displays will convince the Premier League giants to keep him in the City of Discovery. Dochety confirmed: “We are still in talks just now.


“We are happy and they are happy, like Malachi (Boateng), it is an important stage for these young players. The experience and standard they are playing at. They are getting regular football. They are also coming up and playing in a prestigious league and they are getting the exposure. They are playing really good teams, against good players at good stadiums. There is also the exposure of television and they are all big pluses for the team coming up. They are all thriving.


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“It has been good for both parties, along with the others Aaron Donnelly, Zach Robinson, Bakayoko and Ryan Howley. The relationships with all their parent clubs are good. We are in constant consultation to make sure we are looking after their players properly and on top of that.”

Docherty was formerly assistant at Aberdeen to Derek McInnes. They had successful loans with James Maddison, Danny Ward, Ryan Christie and Max Lowe. And he believes that has helped pave the way for Dundee’s current loans.

Docherty confirmed: “There is Danny Ward, James Madison, Ryan Christie and Max Lowe. You have been in that position before and you know what these boys need.

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“There is an understanding of the process especially when you have worked with players who have gone on to be real successes, there aren’t many more that have gone much higher than James Maddison and Danny Ward. You can now impart that when you are working with your current loans.”

Beck has had loans at Famalicao, Bolton Wanderers and Bolton but the move to Scotland seems to have got the best out of the defender. It has also allowed the Welshman to work on other aspects of his game. The Dundee boss explained: “Down in England it is Saturday/Tuesday and up here there is more time on the training ground and to develop them.

“In terms of Owen, we have had him in the gym to develop him physically. It is another factor and you really need to pull on everything to attract this level of player.


“They do or they wouldn’t send them up. So far it has been successful for Dundee FC and we have been really happy with. It is something we are not blase about. You need to make sure you commit to the parent club and what you promise you deliver. Hopefully, we have been doing that and you see the development of the players. “It benefits us but it also has to benefit the parent club.”

Beck has been troubled with a groin issue in recent weeks and it is something Dundee have had to monitor closely. Docherty explained: “We are going to have to manage him. It is the same issue.

"The medical team is on it and he will be fine. He is that type of player that he is all in whether it is a gym session, a 90 minute game or a training session he is all in.

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"It is testament to how well he is doing. He puts absolutely everything into everything he does. At times it is about putting the reins on him a wee bit, in terms of his training load. You have to remember the amount of football he has played. He has a great season but at times you need to put the reins on him a wee bit.”

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Derek McInnesScottish PremiershipLiverpool FCTransfer TalkEnglish Premier LeagueDundee FC
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