Tony Docherty hails impact of Lyall Cameron at Dundee after final-day brace

Tony Docherty thanked Lyall Cameron for an outstanding career at Dundee after the midfielder signed off in style with a double in victory over St Johnstone.

Cameron, who penned a pre-contract with Rangers in February, inspired a 2-0 win that eased the Dark Blues away from the relegation play-off place.

The 22-year-old netted after 28 minutes and rounded off a man-of-the-match display with a stoppage-time penalty.

Cameron’s dream farewell took him to 14 goals for the season and ensured Dundee finished in 10th place, four points above Ross County.

Docherty said: “I have a good relationship with all my players but a really special relationship with Lyall.

“His character has never been in doubt. I am delightful for him that he can leave with his head held high.

“In these last three games, he’s scored four goals and provided the assist to Scott Tiffoney’s goal in midweek that should’ve been enough.

“He’s been a fantastic ambassador for this club. A brilliant character.

“He will go on to have a really successful career but I think the club are indebted to him and I’d like thank him for his services.

“It was really fitting that he scored the two goals to achieve this objective.”

Dundee picked themselves up from conceding a controversial last-gasp penalty to Ross County on Wednesday which had given the Staggies a chance of catching them on the final day.

Docherty said: “I’m really proud. I thought the club showed its strength.

“When I can communicate to the players before kick off that there’s 4000 fans here, that’s huge.

“That was an exhibition of fans galvanising and showing that their team was done wrong to in midweek.

“We showed the mentality and resilience to bounce back. I can’t speak highly enough of my group, there’s been a lot of adversity this year.

“One thing that’s been consistent has been reaction to any adversity.

“I knew we’d get that from them. There are strong characters and real leaders in there.”

St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari watched jubilant Dundee fans invade the pitch to celebrate their survival.

Then he told his relegated players it’s essential Saints supporters experience scenes of joy after a Championship title triumph this time next season.

He said: “One disappointing thing was that we could not say ‘thank you’ to our fans.

“The fans have been there for us every game, pushing us, supporting us, feeling the frustration and pain.

“I’ll put it this way. It’s my job, our job, to make sure that it is our fans who are running on the field at the end of next season.

“Our players got out of there, no problem. It was big for Dundee to stay in the Premiership. Congratulations to Dundee.”