Tony Docherty has no issues with playing Hibs target Luke McCowan at Easter Road

Tony Docherty has no concerns about fielding in-demand Dundee midfielder Luke McCowan against Hibernian at a time when the Edinburgh club have been trying to buy him.

The 26-year-old’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with Hibs having had three bids rejected by the Dark Blues already this month while Celtic and Bolton have also been credited with an interest.

Docherty has been in regular dialogue with McCowan – who has been captain in the absence of the injured Joe Shaughnessy this term – and the manager believes he has the temperament to handle playing at Easter Road on Saturday against a side who have been in the hunt for his signature this summer.

“Not in the slightest,” Docherty said on Wednesday when asked if he had any issues about McCowan’s mindset.

“He’s such a brilliant professional. I speak with him regularly, I’ve got such a good relationship with him and a high respect for him, not just as a footballer but as a person.

“We had a good chat there today and he’s absolutely focused on the job he’s got to do for Dundee. He drives standards at this club and he’s fully committed.

“We’ve had a really good training week and he’s fully committed towards what’s going to be a difficult game at Easter Road, where the club have not won since 2001.

“We realise it will be a tough match and Luke will be part of a squad that’s going to hopefully put in a committed performance to get the job done.”

Docherty heaped praise on Antonio Portales after it emerged that the 28-year-old Dundee defender is being considered for a first call-up to the Mexico squad for next month’s friendly double-header against New Zealand and Canada.

“I just heard that before I came in and I’m absolutely thrilled with that news,” said Docherty.

“I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s a fantastic professional and he’s been an absolute credit with the level of performances he’s been putting in.

“With the difference in climate and culture, it can be difficult for a player but Antonio’s been the consummate professional. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s hoping to gain that international recognition because his level of performance and consistency has been fantastic.

“Nobody deserves that call-up more than Antonio, and I’d be absolutely thrilled if that’s confirmed and he gets it.”