Dundee boss Paul Hartley has paid tribute to James McPake's determination after the Dens skipper stepped up his recovery from his horror knee injury.

The centre-back tasted his first action since dislocating his knee 12 months ago with a 45-minute run out for the Dark Blues Under-20s side against Rangers on Wednesday night.

Hartley is still refusing to put an exact timescale on his first-team comeback but is delighted to see the 32-year-old making progress.

The manager said: "It's been a long recovery and James still has a long way to go. But the pleasing thing last night was that he managed to come through the game being the old James McPake in terms of going into challenges, making tackles, being on the front foot and just being excellent.

"It's pleasing to see him return because he's had to go through a lot of hard work.

"There's probably been a lot of doubt in his head - would he get back?

"But the way he has been looked after by the club, the physio, myself and himself in terms of his mental side means he deserves a lot of credit for coming through this period.

"He's probably ahead of schedule but that is down to him and how hard he works. We've had to reassure him a couple of times but he's a credit to his profession.

"This is only the beginning. He's had 45 minutes and we will try to get him another game next week and maybe then build his minutes up.

"There's still a long way to go but we're not going to rush James. He's been through a lot mentally and physically."

Hartley admits his team's form has left him frustrated after a run of three wins and three defeats over their last six games.

But he hopes to return to winning ways after losing to Kilmarnock last Saturday when they host Ross County this weekend.

"It's the case with a lot of the teams that they are trying to find that consistency week in week out," he said.

"I've been pleased with the victories and if we could get another on Saturday, which would make it four wins from six.

"We've got to look at that and try to get another three points at home, as our form at Dens has been good.

"You've got to find a way to win differently sometimes. You can either play well or win it ugly.

"We need to try and do that this weekend against a good Ross County team who have hit a bit of form."