Defender Stuart Duff has been voted the Bank of Scotland's Young Player Of The Month for April. This award arrives on the back of a new contract being offered to the young star. Duff began his career as a midfielder but has carved out a name for himself in defence, where his two-footedness means he can play at either side.
Youngsters Graham Gartland and Ryan Waddell have been given new contracts at Tannadice. Both have had their short-term contracts extended by a year. Waddell has suffered this season through both injury and illness and Alex Smith says he deserves a second chance because of this. Centre half Gartland has impressed the manager in both the youth and under-21 teams.
Alex Smith is also keen to open negotiations with some of his more experienced and valued playing staff. Players such as Jim Lauchlan, Steven Thompson, Derek Lilley and Charlie Miller are out of contract in 12 months, and the manager is keen to keep these players at the club, it is believed.
Jim Lauchlan is doubtful for Sundays trip to Kilmarnock, as he is one booking away from suspension. If he were booked on Sunday he would be suspended for the opening two games of next season, and Smith sees this as a gamble not worth taking, especially as Danny Griffin is now fit, and the side can be shuffled around. Young goalkeeping understudy Paul Jarvie is expected to make an appearance, though Smith has not decided if he will start.