Dundee

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty has praised the club's owners for going "over and above" in developing ways to strengthen the squad.

The Dark Blues announced a strategic partnership with Mexican side CF Monterrey in November and have a similar arrangement with English Championship side Burnley.

Current Monterrey midfielder Cesar Garza arrived on loan this month, as did their former midfielder Victor Lopez.

Docherty said "Credit to the club, to John (Nelms) and Tim (Keyes) for looking out further, over and above, looking at partnerships where we can strengthen the team. I think you can see now that we are getting the benefits from that.

"We are also getting benefits from the partnership we have with Burnley in terms of (Oluwaseun) Adewumi's level of performance at the moment, so huge credit to the club for making sure there is no stone unturned in our search to try and develop the team and improve the team."

Despite being ravaged by injury and illness in recent weeks, Dundee travel to play champions Celtic on Saturday in excellent form.

They have lost just one of their past six games, a run which includes back-to-back draws with both the Old Firm and a Scottish Cup victory over neighbours United.

Docherty said: "It is a brand new group, we have been developing as a group, there are young players that are developing.

"And now that we have got incomings, the four are strong signings and the injuries – (Joe) Shaughnessy, (Antonio) Portales, (Ziyad) Larkeche, (Scott) Fraser - they are coming back into the fold at the right time.'

"So as well as the team are doing at the moment, there is a real strengthening of the squad happening and what that gives me is real healthy competition."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty has been speaking to the media before his side's trip to Celtic this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• Docherty says the club are still awaiting international clearance for newly-signed Mexican midfielder Victor Lopez, who has joined on a year-long loan from Liga MX side Queretaro.

• The Dundee boss feels "you can see now we are getting the benefits" from their strategic partnership with Mexican club CF Monterrey, as well as the one with Burnley.

• On further transfer business, Docherty says: "We are still working on things at the moment, both incoming and outgoing."

• Amid continued speculation surrounding Lyall Cameron, who is out of contract in the summer, Docherty will be doing "all I can to make sure he remains a Dundee player for as long as we can".

• But Docherty thinks with the new signings and players coming back from injury "there is a real strengthening of the squad happening".

• He dismisses any notion Celtic will have a European hangover and stresses the importance of concentrating on their own business.

• With just one defeat in six games, Docherty praises his injury-hit squad for going "over and above" and says belief has been boosted by recent results.

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Julien Vetro has been recalled from his season-long loan at Dundee by parent club Burnley.

The French midfielder joined Tony Docherty's side in August and made six appearances during his loan spell.

The 20-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for the Championship club.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

There is no doubt Dundee have made massive progress since Tony Docherty arrived at the club in the Summer of 2023.

But one word that has reared its head from time to time has been '"consistency" or a lack of it.

While much has been achieved on Docherty's watch, a failure to put a real run of results together has been something which has often been noted.

However, they certainly appear to have solved that conundrum.

The Dark Blues are currently on a run of just one defeat in six games across all competitions, a sequence which has seen them win three times and draw twice against the Old Firm.

If they can maintain these sort of levels then you would fancy they have every chance of improving on last season's top six Premiership finish.

And having landed what many would see as a favourable Scottish Cup fifth round draw – at home to Airdrieonians - the Dens Park faithful may just also be starting to dare to dream about reaching the latter stages of that competition.

Before a ball was kicked in the half dozen games I have highlighted above, there would have been those looking at those fixtures perhaps questioning how injury ravaged Dundee would fare.

Well the team has certainly stepped up to the plate and delivered.

Dundee's recent progress will be tested to the limits in their next outing – away to Celtic at the weekend – but on the basis of the last few weeks, you wouldn't bet against them going to Parkhead and really making life uncomfortable for the champions, having taking points off them in the City of Discovery last week.

Dundee manager Tony Docherty hopes to have Mexican winger Victor Lopez's year-long loan move from Monterrey completed this week. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Beating your local rivals is the best feeling in football and I am over the moon that we got our own back on them.

Performance and results wise - particularly after a fantastic display against Celtic, who were lucky to leave with a point - we had strong momentum going into the Scottish Cup derby.

I felt with the backline revolutionised by Aaron Donnelly's return, a clean sheet was going to come very soon and this proved to be the case.

Dundee were the better team in the first half and failed to capitalise on the chances to give us a more comfortable cushion to protect after Simon Murray's first-minute opener.

It made the rest of the contest a very nervy watch. United looked out of their comfort zone as they got to dictate the play and Dundee were challenging the visitors to break us down. Trevor Carson made a handful of great saves and the decision-making and duelling provided from Clark Robertson and Donnelly were top notch.

The cherry on top of victory is we have drawn Airdrie in the fifth round. We beat them 6-1 in the League Cup earlier in the season and they currently reside at the bottom of the Championship.

If we get the job done and have another favourable tie in the quarter-final, we could finally return to Hampden for the first time in 19 years.

When we got beaten in the new year's derby, the task was simply to show an immediate reaction and win the cup tie. Regardless of what happens at Parkhead on Saturday, we can walk out of January with our heads held high and attack the second half of the season with intent.

We asked for your views of Dundee's derby win in the Scottish Cup fourth round.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: Started like a rocket and fitting that Simon Murray got the flick that put us through. Dundee tried to play with the ball at their feet, United were happy to send aimless balls up field, hard to see why they're third on that first-half showing. Some tired legs in dark blue but they got what they deserved.

Brian: Truly a game of two halves. We had United on the ropes in the first then United had 95% of the second half. On the break we were great. The defence was outstanding, Tony Docherty's signings have proven to be excellent. A nail-biting end to the game but a great result. Fantastic to a man.

Ronnie: Brilliant result and performance, the result was all that mattered and such sweet revenge for league defeat. Dundee have a doggedness and steel about them now and with players back from injury and great looking new signings settling, we're hopefully on for decent cup run and top-six finish.

Anthony: First half we were excellent - quickfire start from Murray put us into dreamland. Had a good few chances to add to our lead but couldn't quite take them. United to their credit threw the kitchen sink at us in the second half but we showed great resilience and overall fully merited the win.

Kevin: As a whole from back to front worked hard for each other. Considering the amount of defenders Dundee have injured the back four played well. Since signing Aaron Donnelly he has been a big plus. Still feel we need another striker. Overall happy with the way the team is developing.

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Is an in-form Simon Murray key to Dundee having a memorable end to the campaign?

The Dens Park side and their fanbase are dreaming of a first Scottish Cup triumph in 115 years after ending Dundee United's unbeaten derby record on Monday.

It was Murray's first-minute header that settled an absorbing fourth-round tie, setting up a last-16 clash at home to Championship bottom side Airdrieonians.

Tony Docherty's men also have the top six in their sights after an impressive four-game unbeaten run that has seen them draw with both Old Firm sides.

Integral to that form has been striker Murray, who is now on 14 goals for the campaign after returning to the club from Ross County in the summer.

Five of those goals have come in his past six matches, with his relentless off-the-ball work also catching the eye.

"He's an absolute force of nature and I think adding to his game," broadcaster Jim Spence told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"As a younger guy, he was all about pace and running direct, but he's added to that. He's added real game intelligence. He links up well, makes clever runs, brings people into play.

"He's just a great player to have about any club. He's got such a will to win, such desire and such an irrepressible nature about him that lifts people around him."

So could this be the year that Dundee finally get their hands on the trophy for the first time since 1910?

"I'd love to think so," Spence added. "It'll be very difficult, but Tony Docherty really is putting a side together.

"They've got goals in them, they're starting to tighten up defensively and that's really important as well. So yes, it's a big, big ask, but it could be."

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Simon Murray revelled in his derby heroics after sending Dundee through to the Scottish Cup fifth round at United's expense.

The striker, whose first-minute goal proved to be the winner as Dundee advanced to a home tie with Airdrieonians, told Premier Sports: "We had the disappointment in the league a few weeks ago - that was a low and tonight is the opposite of that.

"We knew how tough it would be and the boys dug in. We put everything into that. It's a great feeling, just buzzing to get the win.

"I'm from here, I wanted to be back with family. That's what it's all about. The derbies are one of the fixtures you look out for and it's good to come out on the positive side of it.

"Old legs were knackered at the end but it's all worth it. Absolutely delighted and looking forward to the next round."

Dundee fans, were you at Dens Park to see your side beat neighbours Dundee United and reach the last 16 of the Scottish Cup? Either way, we want your thoughts on the game.

Who impressed you, and how far do you think Tony Docherty's side can go?

Have your say on the game., external

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty tells BBC Scotland: "A really pleasing start to the game. You then saw the mentality, the resilience and character of the team to see out the game and get a clean sheet.

"The players wanted to atone for [the derby defeat at the start of the month], there was a bit of redemption. That was a really strong performance from Dundee United in the second half.

"I just think everything considered - I've got five centre-halves out - to put in that performance speaks volumes. I've got good players and we're very good on the counter attack.

"They put us under pressure but my lads stood up to that.

"Simon runs himself into the ground, gets himself a goal and I'm delighted for him and all the players.

"We'll give Airdrieonians the upmost respect. I've just glad we've got a home tie. I see the atmosphere tonight and that's what you can get at Dens Park with the synergy between players and fans. They see the effort the players are putting in.

"We're not getting ahead of ourselves. Tonight was a real big task to beat a good side at home and keep a clean sheet. We'll see what happens."

Fans of both sides anticipate Monday's Dundee derby in the Scottish Cup fourth round.

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Tonight's Dundee derby "couldn't come at a better time" for hosts Dundee, says defender Ethan Ingram.

The Dark Blues welcome their street rivals to Dens Park with a place in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup on the line and Ingram insists they're "in a good place" for the game.

Tony Docherty's side have only suffered one defeat in their last five - to United - including home draws with Rangers and Celtic.

The 21-year-old, who joined from West Brom last summer, said: "As players you love big games and want to play in this derby.

"We're in good form, in a good place as a team.

"There's no better time for this game to come around for us."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Defender Ethan Ingram has praised the character shown by Dundee in recent weeks amid something of an injury crisis.

Despite having a raft of players on the sidelines - Billy Koumetio, Antonio Portales, Jordan McGhee, Ziyad Larkeche, Joe Shaughnessy and Scott Fraser are all long-term absentees - the Dark Blues have put together an impressive run of form.

They have lost just one of their last five games, and go into Monday night's Scottish Cup date with neighbours Dundee United in fine fettle after back-to-back draws with both halves of the Old Firm.

"It almost forces you to survive," Ingram said. "All of us coming together, that does show on the pitch as well.

"We are all resilient and fighters and we all want to play. I think there is that drive between everyone so whoever comes on, wherever they come on, they want to succeed and want to play well. That has shown in the past couple of games with the results we are getting."

Monday's showdown will be the third Dundee derby of the season.

Dundee are yet to beat their city rivals this term, but Ingram thinks this is the perfect opportunity to change that record.

"As players you love big games and a big game like that, especially the way it is around the city," Ingram said.

"I think the last one we were unlucky but this time we are on form, we are in a good place as a team so there is no better time for this game to come round for us."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Tony Docherty admits Dundee are fired up to avenge their recent league defeat to Dundee United when the sides meet on Monday night in the Scottish Cup.

The Dark Blues go into the Dens Park showdown in excellent form having drawn against Rangers and Celtic and lost just one - the derby - of their last five fixtures.

Dundee took the lead against Jim Goodwin's side at the start of January through a Simon Murray penalty, but goals from Vicko Sevelj and Sam Dalby gave the Tangerines victory.

"We have been in really good form in the last five games," Docherty said. "We have had two brilliant away wins against St Mirren and St Johnstone and two fantastic performances against the Old Firm where we arguably could have picked up more points than we did.

"The one in that run of five was the loss to Dundee United. We have addressed it with the players, it is something we need to try and atone for.

"I don't think our performance was enough to lose the game but there is more we can do to give us the best opportunity of winning this one."

Docherty believes the big-game experience of back-to-back televised draws with Scottish football's big two will hold his young team in good stead for Monday's derby clash.

"They are the youngest group in the league but they are an exciting, energetic and brave bunch of players," he said. "They are learning and developing all the time.

"Fifteen out of the 24 in my squad are 23 years old and under so all these experiences are going to make them better players."

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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Monday's Dundee derby has captured the imagination ever since the Scottish Cup fourth-round draw was made - and it arrives at a time when the city rivals are both on a bit of a high.

Dundee are 10 points and four places below third-top United in the Premiership after only two wins in eight outings.

But Tony Docherty's side have recovered from a poor spell and are not only unbeaten in three, but the latest two have been creditable draws with the top two sides - Rangers and Celtic.

After a 1-0 win away to St Mirren last time out, Jim Goodwin's visitors have only lost twice in seven and will be looking to repeat their 2-1 league win at Dens Park just over a fortnight ago.

Indeed, United have not lost on the other side of Tannadice Street in eight visits since August 2017.

Read Scottish Cup preview in full.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Tony Docherty says midfielder Lyall Cameron is "very much focused" on Dundee amid intense speculation about his future.

With his contract up in the summer, the 22-year-old has been linked with several clubs, including Rangers., external

"No update, he is still a Dundee player, he is very much focused," said manager Docherty.

"He came back into training today after having quite a nasty illness, he trained fully so he is still a Dundee player, very much looking forward to a Dundee derby and all the rest is speculation.

"Lyall is a really level-headed young man and he has got brilliant representation as well so he has got the right people, the right support network round about him.

"But more than that, as an individual, I am so impressed with Lyall's personality and the way he handles things, so absolutely no concern about that at all."

Meanwhile, Docherty says captain Joe Shaughnessy's return from a long-term knee injury is "brilliant timing".

The defender has been sidelined since April and Docherty said: "It is important with that length of injury we hopefully get a couple of reserve games in him to make him fully aware and game ready.

"But he is back training fully with the squad just now, which is fantastic because everything that Joe brings, it is not just the player coming there, it is the team captain, so brilliant timing for that.

"We are still going through a period just now where our resources are really quite threadbare but in the knowledge all these ones are going to be coming back soon, so for the team to be doing what they are doing just now, with that coming back puts us in a good position."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty has been speaking to the media before Monday's Scottish Cup tie with Dundee United at Dens Park.

Here are the key points:

• On further potential transfer business, Docherty says: "I'm hoping there might be movement on one other."

• There is no update on Lyall Cameron's future – and Docherty praised the midfielder for how he is handling himself amid the speculation.

• The Dens boss described Monday's match as a "huge game" between two in-form sides, adding how good it is for the city when the teams are going well.

• Docherty says the only disappointment in Dundee's recent run of games was their league defeat to United and they are hoping to "atone" for that.

• He points out 15 of his 24-strong squad are aged 23 or under and insists they will have learned a lot from their last two games – live on TV against the Old Firm – which will hold them in good stead for the derby.

• On the selection front, Cameron returned to training on Thursday morning but there are still eight players out injured.

• Joe Shaughnessy is now back in full training with the squad and Docherty says it will be like having a new signing when the defender makes his top-team return.