Tayside and Central

Dundee will be looking to build on back-to-back wins against Livingston and St Mirren before the international break as they welcome Hibernian to Dens Park on Saturday.

Would you make any changes to the starting XI? Pick yours here.

Tyrone Smith, BBC Scotland

I suspect that during this international break, all connected with Dundee will have been reflecting on what has been a really impressive start to the season.

Having come up from the Championship, they would have been tipped by many to be among those teams struggling at the bottom end of the top division this term.

But they have made a mockery of any such suggestion so far - they are very much making their mark in the upper echelons, where they are currently fifth, just two points off third.

The big question may well be - can they continue to deliver on their early season promise? The body of evidence would suggest there is no reason why they can’t.

Having kept five clean sheets in their last six games, they appear to be rock solid at the back and they also have a real goal threat at the other end of the pitch too.

That is the kind of combination every team wants and Dundee appear to have it.

The next few weeks will be a real examination of their lofty credentials, this weekend’s home date with Hibernian is then followed by three games on the road at Motherwell, Rangers and Ross County.

It is a run of games which will undoubtedly provide a stern test, but given what we have seen so far this season, don’t be surprised at all if it is a test Tony Docherty’s side can come through with flying colours.

Image source, SNS

Tyrone Smith, BBC Sport Scotland

Dundee manager Tony Docherty says he is not surprised by how well his side have performed this season and believes there are still areas they can improve.

They go in to this weekend's Premiership visit of Hibernian in fifth spot, having lost just three of the 12 league games they have played.

Docherty's side, who have won three of their last four matches, can open up a five-point gap over the Edinburgh club with a victory.

However, the manager says no-one at Dens Park is getting carried away and they remain fully focussed on their main objective of Premiership survival.

Asked whether his side's start had caught him off guard, he said: "No, I wouldn’t say surprised because I see them on a daily basis and I see how much effort they put into training.

"I see how conscientious they are as a group, I see how tight-knit they area as a group, and I have been really pleased with the performance levels since the start of the season.

"But what I do is I keep challenging the squad and, more importantly, they keep challenging themselves."

Given their impressive start to life in the top flight, some might be wondering if Dundee's ambitions have changed since the start of the season, but Docherty says their focus remains on staying in the division.

He added: "As the newly promoted team, I think it is important that we just realise what our objective is and our objective is retaining Premiership status.

"Yes, we have made a good start, but it is all about maintaining that and not looking any further forward than your next game."

Tyrone Smith, BBC Scotland

Dundee manager Tony Docherty has been speaking to the media prior to this weekend's Premiership visit of Hibernian.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• His team are "in a good place" at the moment and it is about maintaining the momentum they built before the international break.

• He isn't surprised at how well his team have been performing so far this season, adding: "I keep challenging the squad and, more importantly, the squad keep challenging themselves".

• Docherty says that despite Dundee's good start to the season, they need to realise that as the new team in the Premiership their main objective is survival and anything above that will be "a bonus".

• Scott Tiffoney and Josh Mulligan have returned to full training, meaning Dundee have a clean bill of health going into the game this weekend.

• Docherty adds that there is a real feelgood factor in Scottish football at the moment and that is down to Steve Clarke.

• Scotland having a major finals to look forward to will be "a real motivational factor" for players as they look to try and push their way into the squad.

Image source, SNS

Image source, BBC Sport

Daniel Smith, Up Wi' The Bonnets podcast, external

Last week, Cammy Kerr's testimonial was celebrated with a game against Celtic, as players past and present were on hand with the Dundee fans to mark the occasion.

Old favourites like Fabian Caballero, Julian Speroni, Juan Sara and the manager who brought them in, Ivano Bonetti, took to the field. More recent players were also on hand - Gary Harkins, Jim McAlister and Paul McGowan to name a few - all turning out for their ex-teammate's big moment.

It was a great night, witnessing old favourites donning the Dundee strip once more to the great delight of a packed Bobby Cox Stand.

Now, we all know the consequence that followed half of these signings for the Dee, but it was an exciting time to follow the club. Those players dripping in quality just had something special about them, making their every move a joy to watch.

Bonetti still dived into some meaty challenges. Seeing the strike partnership of Sara and Caballero for possibly the last time was a sight, in more ways than one. And no doubt about it, glorious Gary Harkins is still a magician with the ball at his feet.

But it was all about Cammy Kerr.

A player who has been a fine servant for the club, someone who bleeds dark blue. A fan from day one, and a player who went on to captain the club.

Not many people can say that about the team they support, hardly any can say they stayed long enough for a testimonial.

It was written in the stars that Kerr would score the winner in his testimonial, a deserved ending to a day dedicated to a proper Dundee boy, man and legend.

Image source, SNS

Dundee's return to the Premiership has been alright, eh?

Tony Docherty has taken to managerial life like a duck to water, but he may have a few thanks to give out for that fine record... particularly to his defenders.

Joint with Hibernian, and only beaten by Celtic and Rangers, the Dens Park club have faced the fewest shots on target in the top flight.

Trevor Carson has dealt with 50 attempts at his goal, while the Old Firm 'keepers have had 29 a piece.

Image source, BBC Sport

At the tail end of last week we asked you for your thoughts on Tony Docherty and Dundee's season so far. Over the weekend, you've had your say...

Iain: For the first time in a very long time, I feel that there is a bit of competitiveness from Dundee, and not survival mode! As much as this season is going to be tight in the middle, we should be looking as far up the table as we can, rather than looking below!

Carl: Early days yet, but improvements in nearly all departments and team shape with tactical nous show Tony Docherty's positive influence. A proven goalscorer would be a bonus, but every team in the country would be in the queue for one and we don’t have the cash to outbid many of them. Our fitness coach is also due a mention for obvious improvements.

Jim: Staying up this season would be a success for me and being in this position now is great. Team seems to be together and playing with determination. The young Cameron, McCowan and stand out Beck are ones for the future. Wish we could keep Beck.

Jim: We are doing very well and could have even more points with a couple of our draws. Very impressed with Tony Docherty so far and we have played some excellent football as well. We have a good squad who can definitely finish in the top six.

Rod: Getting Docherty in was a very astute signing and possibly the best signing.

I'm not sure who identified all of the players but they did a great job. Carson, Shaughnessy, Portales & Beck have made the defence tight. Boating & Bakayoko have added strength to the team's spine. Third place for the Dee this year~

We’re knee-deep into the final international break of the calendar year… who’s already itching to get back to domestic action?

To get the club juices flowing, we want to know what you’re making of Dundee's season so far.

Who’s been the star performer? Which summer signing has impressed? Who deserves a shout-out? What improvements need to be made?

Give us your take here.

Cammy Kerr remained cool, calm and collected from the penalty spot in the 90th minute of his testimonial on Thursday as his Dundee select defeated a Celtic side 1-0.

Dundee legends, including Julian Speroni, Fabian Caballero and Juan Sara, all returned to Dens Park on a night celebrating the long-time servant.

Ant the 28-year-old stole the show with a late penalty to seal the win for his side, beating Rab Douglas in the Celtic goal.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS