The Dundee manager did not have to look too far when he opted to bring in a goalkeeper to challenge former Scotland international Rab Douglas for the Number One spot as he turned to his next door neighbour in Monifieth. Having departed Ross County in January, Bullock was playing out the season with third divison outfit Montrose when he put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement with Dundee.

Scott had to open Calum Melville’s cheque book to bring in Griffiths and Harkins but the arrival of Bullock on a free-transfer has been a masterstroke.

Bullock brings an assurance to Dundee’s backline as he continues to produce stunning saves which defy his 37-years and allow Dundee to turn one point into three or even a defeat into a draw.

The last two weekends have been a case in point and have highlighted Bullock’s importance to Dundee’s pursuit of a place back in the Scottish Premier League.

Bullock was vital as under-par Dundee somehow managed to depart East End Park with a point.

With the clock ticking down and the score tied at 1-1 after substitute Graeme Bayne had cancelled out Harkins opener on the hour mark, Dunfermline’s David Graham had an opportunity to clinch the win.

Graham was one on one with Bullock as he raced clear of Dundee’s defence but the goalkeeper stood tall and somehow managed to get a hand to his shot.

Harkins recognised the role Bullock had played in clinching a point, saying: “Bully has made some great saves this season and I’m glad he did it again.

“He has stepped up massively and is an experienced goalkeeper. You can’t still be playing at 37 if you are not.”

Graham will still be wondering how Bullock got a hand to his effort, saying: “It’s one of those things, he puts his hand up and puts it over the bar.

“If I had been side on I would have tried to slide it in the bottom corner but it was kind of straight on so I tried to put it across him.”

Jim McIntyre, the Dunfermline manager, bemoaned his side’s lack of cutting edge as they created a hatful of chances, especially in the first half, but failed to convert them.

It looked as though Dundee would perform the perfect smash and grab raid when Harkins glanced home on the hour but Dunfermline would not be denied and seconds after replacing Joe Cardle, Bayne got on the end of Willie Gibson’s free-kick to equalise with his first touch.

Dundee looked jaded after their midweek Co-Op Cup clash with Rangers and Scott admitted he should have tinkered with his line-up, saying: “We had a bit of a hangover from Tuesday, and in hindsight maybe I should have freshened things up.”