Dundee

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Tony Docherty hopes Dundee's partnership with Mexican club Monterrey will help his side be "ahead of the game" following the arrival of 19-year-old Cesar Garza on loan.

The defensive midfielder has arrived in Dundee ahead of a January loan move and comes with first-team experience with the five-times CONCACAF Champions League winners.

"He's a good character," Docherty said.

"Obviously our experience with Antonio Portales and the amount that we've watched him, we're confident we're bringing in a really good player and again, it will increase competition for places.

"Antonio was a young player at Monterrey himself, so he knows. He's been here, he's settled in.

"He's come in and he's met the rest of the boys and he'll train with us over the next couple of days, but really excited to get him in the building.

"The thing I really need to commend the club on, particularly [owners] John Nelms and Tim Keyes, we're always thinking outside the box. Where can we look at another market?

"We've established a partnership with a fantastic club in Monterrey.

"The by-product of that is that we'll get good players in, they'll get good experience coming and playing in Scotland and it's just another way you're trying to be a wee bit ahead of the game."

Watch Sportscene analysis of Dundee's 1-0 defeat against Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

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Watch the best of the action from Ibrox as Rangers win 1-0 against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

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We asked for your views on Dundee's 1-0 Premiership defeat against Rangers.

Here's what some of you said:

Brian: We were wide open down the wings and it was exploited many times. Defence a bit better and big Billy Koumetio is improving, however we need a decent centre-half, recall Luke Graham now. Powder-puff up front and midfield were pretty anonymous. Not a lot more to be said.

Gary: Wasn't expecting anything from Ibrox, but the team did well under the circumstances. Pity for the lack of quality in the opposition box but fair enough. More winnable games are around the corner shortly.

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• Vaclav Cerny has scored seven goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Rangers player.

• Dundee have a record of W0, D1, L4 when conceding the opening goal away from home in the Premiership this season.

• Rangers have scored in each of their last eight games in the Premiership, scoring 16 goals in that run.

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Dundee have agreed a one-year loan deal for 19-year-old midfielder Cesar Garza from Mexican side Monterrey.

The teenager will be the first player to switch between the clubs after a strategic partnership was announced in November.

He will be eligible to play when the January transfer window opens, subject to international clearance and being granted a visa.

The defensive midfielder has made 12 appearances for Monterrey, scoring once, and was in the Mexico squad that won the Concacaf Under-20 Championship this year.

Vaclav Cerny's 10th goal of the season gave Rangers victory over Dundee and moved them up to second in the Scottish Premiership for the first time this season.

Dundee struggled to create opportunities but in the end might have stolen a point when Simon Murray's late effort went close, before being cleared off the line.

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty: "I thought it was a strong performance from us given the form Rangers have been in. You need to make sure your defensive organisation is there and it was excellent in the first half.

"But I did ask the boys to be a bit braver in the second half. I thought we did that and we were a real match for Rangers right to the death, pushing for the equaliser.

"I'm proud of the players. Six of my starting players were 22 or under and three academy graduates. I thought that level of performance shows there's development in individual players and us as a team."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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After a week off following their defeat at Tynecastle, Dundee would have come to Ibrox well prepared, and their first-half showing had its fair share of dig and defensive bravery - with some luck thrown in.

The frustration for manager Tony Docherty will be the ease at which Rangers scored just a minute after the break.

On a rare foray forward they committed a lot of numbers into attacking areas, and one loose pass ended up costing them.

Rangers pounced and Cerny had the entire Dundee half to run into.

And though some profligate finishing helped them stay in the game, they managed it and more composure might have allowed them to snatch an equaliser.

Their next three games - at home to Ross County, away to St Mirren, and then the Dundee derby at Dens Park present a big opportunity.

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Rangers boss Philippe Clement has no fresh injury concerns. John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo (knee) remain sidelined while Tom Lawrence is working his way back to fitness.

Dundee attacker Oluwaseun Adewumi is a doubt with an injury he sustained in the last match against Hearts while Ziyad Larkeche (hamstring), Scott Fraser (groin), Joe Shaughnessy (knee) and Clark Robertson (thigh) remain out.

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Jordan McGhee says Dundee are determined to "right the wrongs" of their meek defeat by Hearts when they resume action against Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.

Tony Docherty's side were unbeaten in three before the 2-0 Tynecastle loss, which dropped them out of the top six, and have used the following fortnight to refocus.

"It's been good and bad having that time off," said defender McGhee. "Obviously, we were disappointed with the last result and performance.

"You want a game straight away, but it's also good to get a bit more time on the training field, to get more ideas across and give the injured boys some time to try and get themselves back to help us through the winter.

"Having no game last week, there was obviously a bit more pondering to do, looking at yourself, so when you cross the white line on a Saturday, you're trying to right your wrongs."

Dundee - who lost 3-0 to Rangers at Hampden in September - return to Ibrox on Saturday for the first time since squandering a 2-0 lead and losing 5-2 in May.

"It's a tough place to go and play," said McGhee. "Obviously, they've picked up a lot recently, but we're in good form ourselves apart from the Tynecastle performance and result.

"We've always done not too bad down there. I remember the game last season, I scored myself, we went 2-0 up and then a couple of errors were made, but they're always good games to play in."

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• Rangers are unbeaten in 14 meetings with Dundee across all competitions (W12 D2) since a 2-1 defeat in November 2017 under Graeme Murty.

• Dundee have lost their last 18 away games against Rangers in all competitions since a 2-0 victory in March 2001 under Ivano Bonetti.

• Rangers have won their last three league games by an aggregate score of 10-0. The Ibrox side last won more successive Scottish Premiership matches without conceding in December 2021 (6).

• Dundee have only won one of their last 11 away league outings (D4 L6), beating Motherwell 1-0 in October.

• Dundee's Scottish Premiership games this season have seen more goals than any other side (56 – 27F 29A), while Rangers' have seen the fewest (36 – 27F 9A).

Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty hopes the club's partnership with Burnley will help smooth the way to extending the loan of Oluwaseun Adewumi for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old Austria Under-21 attacking midfielder has impressed since arriving from the Clarets on a deal until January, scoring twice in 10 appearances.

"Of course I would like to. That's something we'll be endeavouring to do," said Docherty.

"We've got a good partnership with Burnley. We've also got that partnership with [Mexican club] Monterrey, it's really forward thinking by the club.

"If you can get good players – Seun being an example of that – you want to keep them and work with them for as long as you can. So that's something as a club we'll be endeavouring to do."

Adewumi has just three games left in his loan spell, but is struggling to be fit for Saturday's trip to face Rangers at Ibrox after going off injured at half-time in Dundee's previous outing, the 2-0 defeat at Hearts on 7 December.

"His recent performances [have been good]," Docherty added. "He picked up a wee knock against Hearts, his quad, and come off in the second half for that reason so we'll monitor him.

"But Seun is a really important member of the squad and when you're going into a run of games in the business end of the season you want your best players."

Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland

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Tony Docherty has been speaking to the media before Dundee face Rangers in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the key lines from the Dark Blues manager:

• A bug swept through the squad early this week and affected around eight players, but Docherty is "close to getting everybody back".

• Oluwaseun Adewumi hasn't trained with the squad after coming off injured at Tynecastle last time out and is a doubt for Ibrox. Scott Fraser and Clark Robertson won't make the game at Ibrox. Ziyad Larkeche and Joe Shaughnessy remain out.

• Docherty is keen to reach agreement with Burnley to extend the loan of Adewumi beyond January. Contract talks with several players are "ongoing", as are recruitment plans for the January window.

• Defeat to Hearts stalled Dundee's "momentum" but Docherty points out they remain third in the form guide.

• He adds: "It was a little bit frustrating having the [two-week] break but we've spent the time well. We've done a lot of work on the training ground and in the analysis room so we feel good going into this next batch of games."

• The upcoming run of fixtures presents a "challenging time" for Dundee: "We've got seven games in 24 days and two of those are against Rangers and one against Celtic."

• Docherty adds: "It's difficult, it asks questions of the squad but it's why we've assembled the squad. We don't have the biggest squad but we have real quality and competition for places and that will be called upon now."

• The Dens boss expects a formidable challenge against a Rangers side hurting from their League Cup final loss but Dundee aren't going to Ibrox to "make up numbers", and Docherty insists: "They've shown really good form in recent games, but so have our team."

• On Shaughnessy starting light training after long-term injury, Docherty says: "Delighted. Great for Joe and the squad to see him on the training ground and taking part in sessions now, although it's limited what he does. Joe is a great presence, my first signing, such an inspirational character and having him on the training ground with us is a lift for the players."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee go into this weekend's trip to Rangers sitting seventh in the Premiership table having played a game fewer than many of the teams around them.

While last season's excellent showing - where they finished sixth - may have raised expectations, the Dark Blues are pretty well positioned to attack the second half of the season with real optimism.

Consistency has been their problem, but there have been signs recently - last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Hearts not included - they are starting to find their stride.

It will be fascinating to see what business Dundee do in the January transfer window.

They are usually pretty active when they have the chance to add to their squad.

Where might Tony Docherty look to strengthen? Well, they seem to have plenty of creativity in the middle of the park, so perhaps some additions in defence and up front will be on his wishlist.

Inspirational captain Joe Shaughnessy appears to be making good progress on his lengthy return from injury and when he does get back to action, hopefully early in the new year, that will feel like a new signing for Dundee.

The influence and composure he brings to the starting 11 is undoubted.

With the mercurial Lyall Cameron – who is out of contract at the end of the season – continuing to impress, getting some clarity on his future, as well as making sure he goes nowhere in January, will also be a priority.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Neil McCann's assessment on Sportscene following Dundee's defeat to Hearts was both optimistic and realistic. With consistency, he suggested, Dundee could stake a strong claim for fourth place, and he's not wrong.

Just a few weeks ago, Dundee climbed above Motherwell with a win, only for the Steelmen to reclaim fourth spot after just two games.

This serves as a reminder of how quickly the Premiership table can shift. A consistent run could propel Dundee into a far more comfortable position in the top six and I believe we are good enough to do it.

We go away to Rangers on Saturday, they'll be looking to take their frustrations out on us after their League Cup final heartbreak

As usual this one is a write-off. Regardless, we must give a good account of ourselves at Ibrox. We have been leaking too many goals all season and maybe a test under relentless pressure from Rangers is required to get our defensive shape and habits in form.

While I'm doubtful about a positive result at Ibrox, I do believe the fixtures afterwards (Ross County at home, St Mirren away and the derby at Dens) are there for the taking to end 2024 on a strong note and head into 2025 with a bang.

Tony Docherty has offered eight of our current squad contract extensions but no doubt he'll still be analysing a catalogue of potential signings for his Christmas list for the upcoming transfer window. Top of the fans' Christmas wishlist - and I am no different - is a win in the new year's derby.

I am confident most players offered new deals will stay on, stability in the first team is crucial for the club to maintain its position of competing in the top flight.

We have witnessed several squad overhauls in the last decade and have suffered dearly from the lack of stability as a result. It's one of the factors why we have succumbed to relegation twice in the last five years.

The one I don't expect to stay is Lyall Cameron. Much like his former midfield partner Luke McCowan, he appears to be destined for a bigger challenge so we have to enjoy him while he is still here.

The 22-year-old has a strong legacy at the club as things stand and should he depart in the summer, I hope he strengthens that by leaving on a high note with the team accomplishing a better feat this season. A few derby goals wouldn't hurt either.

We asked you what nobody is talking about at Dundee, be it good or bad.

Here's what you had to say:

Rod: Why do Dundee have so many out of contract players? I'm worried we will lose our young players for nothing.

Jay: Communication lessons for the defence, or at least get the back five on the same wavelength. Communication needs to be better. Solve the full-back situation and not just stopgaps filling in. Credit to players that at least try. Injured players returning will help, I hope.

Gary: The strange team selections and seeming lack of trust in some players? It's clear to see what Dundee's strongest XI would be, but it's rarely picked in its entirety. Frustratingly a winning side was changed "to bring in freshness" and glaring opportunities for timely and impactful substitutions are continually missed. Other than that, it's fine.

Dundee have a free weekend to regroup as they look to consolidate their top-six spot over the festive period.

But what is the one thing nobody is talking about in relation to Dundee - good or bad?

It might be the manager's tactics, a player's future, or a must-have signing. Whatever it is, let us know., external

Dundee attacker Scott Tiffoney, 26, is "still in discussion" with his club after being offered a new contract and his current deal expiring at the end of the season. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

A lot of the Scottish football focus this season has been on the start fourth-place Dundee United have made - and rightly so.

Given that, it is easy to forget perhaps that their city neighbours Dundee are just five points behind in sixth.

It does make you wonder where the Dark Blues could actually be, or end up, if they can solve the one thing that has been their Achilles heel this term – inconsistency.

Dundee have failed to notch back-to-back league wins – a real source of frustration for a team that has the talent to put a run of victories together.

They may yet do so – and if they can, they will believe they can find themselves in the mix for a European place.

But talking about it and actually doing it are two very different things.

After a disappointing showing at Hearts last weekend, where they went down 2-0, a daunting trip to Ibrox to play Rangers a week on Saturday is next up for Tony Docherty's side.

After that, they have a run of games the Dens Park faithful will feel they are more than capable of winning.

They will be hoping it is a sequence where the consistency they crave could come to the fore.

And if it does, the sky could be the limit for a Dundee team looking to at least match last season's sixth-place finish.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Dundee went from devastating to hugely disappointing in the space of three days.

Lasat Wednesday's demolition job on Motherwell was a statement of intent. When Dundee are at their best they can damage teams beyond repair. Three goals in seven minutes – it was a blitzkrieg!

Oluwaseun Adewumi's opening goal was magical - he made it out of nothing - and I hope the club are successful in extending his loan deal from Burnley until the end of the season.

He has a very high ceiling and while he's had some fabulous moments in glimpses, I believe the best is yet to come from the Austrian youth international.

That victory sent us back into the top six and into the capital on cloud nine before we were dragged back down to earth at Tynecastle.

We never looked like scoring, struggled to keep the ball for any more than two passes and never really competed with Hearts.

It was one of Dundee's most uncharacteristic and disappointing performances of the season. After the hour mark it felt like the players couldn't wait for the final whistle. At no point in the game did we look like we would amount to anything and that was seriously depressing.

Lyall Cameron made his 100th appearance for the club. This is the only positive I can take. It's great to see any player, but particularly one organically produced from our youth academy, hit that milestone.

Now we have a free week before our game against Rangers at Ibrox.

I expect to see Dundee find their competitive feet and give a better showing in Glasgow. If we play like we did at Tynecastle then it will be a massacre.