Kane Hemmings '˜could play in English Premier League'

Greg Stewart reckons Dundee strike partner Kane Hemmings is good enough to continue his sharp shooting with England's big guns.

Kane Hemmings is looking to hit 20 goals this season. He's already got 18. Picture: SNS

The former Rangers youngster notched up his 18th goal of the season after netting a double against St Johnstone last Friday.

It is the latest highlight on a hot streak for the Englishman which has produced 12 goals in just nine games.

And Stewart believes if he continues to improve like he has this season then the 23-year-old frontman could make a return to his homeland to perform at the highest level.

Stewart, who had previously also linked up with Hemmings during their time at Cowdenbeath, said: “I’m delighted for Kano. Everything he hits right now seems to be flying in. It’s great for us as team as we’re reaping the benefits of it.

“You saw from the way he took his second goal against St Johnstone how easy it is for him now. He does the same in training every day. He is scoring all sort of goals

“Kano could one day go back down south and easily play in the Championship or for a top team up here.

“Is the Premier League something he should be aiming for? I don’t see why not. He’s still young and is always learning. He’s a great goalscorer and developing into an all-round striker now.

“His work rate and touch have improved since the start of the season already.”

Stewart was nominated for last season’s PFA Scotland player of the year after hitting 15 goals for the Dens Park side.

And that kind of form was behind speculation linking the 25-year-old with his own move away from Tayside, with reported interest from Rangers.

Ibrox boss Mark Warburton instead successfully chased after St Johnstone’s Michael O’Halloran during last month’s transfer window but Stewart insists his focus never deviated from Dundee’s campaign.

“It is obviously flattering,” said Stewart when asked about the transfer rumours. “You must be doing something right if teams are getting linked with you.

“But it’s not something I over-thought. If something is going to happen, it will. I just wanted to keep doing my best for Dundee.

“Hopefully I’ll continue to do that until the end of the season by chipping in with a few goals.”

Dundee travel to Kilmarnock on Saturday hoping to maintain their current impressive form.

Paul Hartley’s side have lost just once in their last seven games and sit joint-fourth in the Ladbrokes Premiership standings alongside Ross County.

However, with a mere six-point drop to 11th place and the relegation play-off slot Stewart knows his side cannot afford to take their foot off the gas.

“It’s really tight and one loss could send you back into the dogfight,” said the striker.

“But that keeps you focused. We don’t really want to look down, though. We want to keep our recent form going and try to sneak past County.”

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