The importance of Trevor Carson to Dundee's survival hopes

Nil-nil draws rarely top the bill on Sportscene, and with good reason, but that shouldn’t render the point earned by Dundee at Easter Road meaningless. It was a point that Tony Doc’s men fought tooth and nail to hold onto, and it was nearly exchanged for all three at the death but for Owen Beck’s snap volley being leathered straight at a frustratingly on form David Marshall.

The main takeaway for many from Saturday was the performance of the two keepers. Trevor Carson truly earned his corn at the weekend, acting as a formidable and unbreakable last line of defence, smothering, parrying and clearing all that came his way. When we signed Carson for a reported six figure sum from St Mirren, some eyebrows were raised at a decent wad of cash (and presumably wages) going to a veteran stopper. However, it is undeniably money well spent. Seven games into the season, you could argue that Carson’s performances have been critical to our home victory over Hearts as well as draws with Killie and Hibs. Given that 40 points should be enough to secure safety, Carson heavily contributing to the capture of 5 before the October internationals is huge for us.

Consider, too, the men between the sticks for teams that have gone down in recent seasons. Joel Pereira, Colin Doyle, Jack Hamilton and - of course, who could forget - Mark Birighitti had the opposite impact for their doomed sides, with rash keeping, poor handling and wild decision making leading to precious points evaporating into the ether. Measured against this rogue’s gallery, it seems unlikely that Carson will allow us to go down, regardless of any difficulties at the other end of the pitch.

However, a quieter story emerging on the right flank is more worthy of exploration, as Cammy Kerr continues to make the case for his inclusion in the starting XI.

Dundee Football Club is written through Cammy Kerr like a stick of rock, who has only ever put pen to paper at his childhood club. Cammy is in an extended testimonial year at Dens, all the more remarkable a feat for a 28 year old, and a tie against a Celtic XI later this month is due to mark the occasion.

It's all too easy for opposition fans to smirk at long-term club stalwarts like Cammy, Rory Mackenzie, Chris Kane or Andy Considine and ask how they're still where they are (latter example notwithstanding). In the whirling tempest of modern Scottish football, anybody remaining at the same club for more than a couple of years is a novelty; anybody managing to ride the Dundee FC rollercoaster for the last decade therefore has to be the ultimate survivor. Cammy has been present for two relegations, contributed to three promotions, played in numerous derbies and most notably is now onto his eighth manager, having played a big part in seven of their teams.

There has been a pattern with Cammy’s appearances under successive managers. At first, he will be restricted to cameos off the bench, but as the weeks wear on and managers observe his work ethic and understand what he can bring to the team, he slowly but surely works his way into the starting eleven, at least for particular opponents. Other than under Jim McIntyre, whose short, ill-fated reign did more damage to the fabric of the club than any I can remember, Cammy has never appeared at real risk of leaving the club he grew up supporting.

Of course, merely being a boyhood Dark Blue isn’t and shouldn’t be enough to earn you new contracts, or to provide additional leeway other Jonny-come-latelies aren’t afforded by the Dundee faithful. Every Dundee fan has an opinion on Cammy Kerr on a continuum from him embodying the spirit of the club to being a limited player who would be more comfortable at a lower level. These opinions can be pretty fluid, and the same fan demanding he’s shipped out on loan to Angus one week could be half-jokingly suggesting a Scotland call up the next.

Even the most Pollyanna Dundee fan would accept that Cammy isn’t the most talented footballer, sometimes struggles to defend the back post, is not renowned for his crossing abilities and can get pretzelled by more skilful, silky-toed opposition wingers.

However, the reason successive managers put their trust in him, and why he has earned a testimonial season despite his limitations, is that he never gives less than everything he has in the tank. His athleticism and stamina make him an ideal selection for games, like Hibs at the weekend or against the Old Firm, where his job is to stick as close as he can to an opponent and display some basic, meat and potatoes defending. In many ways, he reminds me of Hibs’ Lewis Stevenson, another old-fashioned full back who has survived turmoil and upheaval to earn the respect of the fans and displays similar surprising versatility to fill whatever gap his team has.

It’s a shame that Cammy’s testimonial match against Celtic is almost certain to be overshadowed by the Scotland game taking place the same evening, and that combined with the familiarity of the opposing side there may be less interest. Given his ability to motor along come rain or shine, back three or back four, McIntyre or Docherty, we can't discount a true glamour tie in 2033 for his double testimonial.