JAMES McPake has been named as Dundee captain for next season despite injury problems that could see him miss the opening fixtures.

The 31-year-old has been out of action since January after injuring his knee during the New Year derby against Dundee United.

The Dens Park outfit haven't had a permanent captain since Kevin Thomson's move to Hibernian in January, but McPake has been handed the armband for the new campaign.

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However, the defender is not expected to be fit again when the new season kicks off on July 16 against East Fife in the revamped Betfred Cup.Glasgow Times: Dundee captain James McPake is stretchered off in the derby match against Dundee United at Dens Park yesterday.

The Northern Irishman joined the Dees in the summer of 2014 and has scored four goals in 55 appearances for the club, but he was limited to 17 outings last season due to injury.

"Dundee Football Club can confirm that James McPake has been appointed club captain ahead of the 2016-17 Ladbrokes Premiership campaign," said a club spokesman.

"The new season will be James' third as a Dundee player after joining in the summer of 2014 shortly after the club's return to the top flight.

"Over the past two seasons, he has captained the team on a number of occasions and has been a leader in the dressing room."