Hartley still has Stewart in plans after forward turns down Birmingham

Dundee manager Paul Hartley is planning for Saturday's game against Rangers with Greg Stewart in his squad after the forward turned down Birmingham's initial contract offer.

Both clubs agreed a fee earlier this week but personal terms have proved a sticking point.

Hartley said at his Thursday morning media conference: He's still a Dundee player. He's part of the squad for Saturday and will train today.

He's fit. He missed Monday and Tuesday because of injury and he's available today.

He has turned down the personal terms just now. Will that change? I don't know. The club had agreed the transfer fee, the personal terms have not been agreed.''

Birmingham boss Gary Rowett revealed he was looking at possible alternatives after the failure to cut a quick deal.

Quoted on his club's official Twitter account, Rowett said: We agreed a fee a couple of days ago but player and agent have not agreed terms we set out.

It's up in the air. We like the player but we now have to look at other options as well.''

The 26-year-old has been on the four-man PFA Scotland player of the year shortlist in each season since joining Dundee from part-time Cowdenbeath two years ago.

The 26-year-old has been on the four-man PFA Scotland player of the year shortlist in each season since joining Dundee from part-time Cowdenbeath two years ago.

The creative player, who can play up front or in midfield, has scored six goals in three Betfred Cup games this season, taking his full tally in dark blue to 32.

With one year left on his contract, Dundee accepted a bid of about #500,000 rather than face losing him for nothing next summer, but Hartley would not rule out the latter option.

When asked if he still expected to have Stewart in his squad on Saturday, he said: It's looking likely just now.

The ball is firmly in Birmingham's court just now in terms of personal terms. Will they revisit that? I don't know.

Greg just loves playing football. He has never come to me asking for a move. He is at an age where he sees this as a different challenge for him. But, who knows, we still might have Greg for the next season.''

Hartley is totally confident Stewart will be in the right frame of mind to play on Saturday, after missing the 3-1 victory at Ross County with a minor injury.

I know the type of lad he is, fully focused,'' Hartley said.Nothing fazes him. He has had a terrific start to the season in the League Cup. He is available for selection for the Rangers game.''

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