PAUL HARTLEY, the Dundee manager, has backed Craig Beattie to come good at the perfect time for the SPFL Championship run-in.

The striker made a long-awaited return in last weekend's 1-0 home defeat by Falkirk after more than three months sidelined because of a knee injury. It was a mixed display at best, though, with the former Celtic forward missing a hatful of chances.

But Hartley said: "It's good to have Craig back. He's had a tough time with injury but has worked ever so hard to regain full fitness.

"It will help him to have got 60 minutes against Falkirk. You have to remember he has been out for a while. I'm sure he will play his part."