Clarkson is the only Dundee player to have scored in his first seven games and now has set his aims on Johnny Bell’s record of scoring in 9 games in a run.
McPake said “There is no reason why he can’t beat the record,”.
“We are creating chances and more often than not he is taking them.
“It would be lovely for him, but if you asked him if we could win 2-0 next week without him scoring, and still be in the cup, he would take it.”
McPake added: “The record is brilliant but the work he does is incredible.
“I was surprised that he had been round a few teams and no-one took a chance on him.
“I was delighted we signed him because he has scored goals everywhere he’s been. I’d played against him in Scotland and down south.
“He’s big, strong and a handful for any defender in this league.”