Dundee

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee winger Scott Tiffoney says the squad "all need to step up" to replace talisman Luke McCowan.

Midfielder McCowan swapped Dens Park for Celtic Park on the last day of the summer transfer window.

Tiffoney said the 26-year-old "was a big character" but the squad "have got plenty more of them" in the dressing room.

"I think everybody needs to take [the responsibility] on their shoulders," Tiffoney added.

"Luke was a great player for us last season and into this season and now it is time for somebody else to step up and take his place."

Dundee will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they travel to Ross County in the Premiership on Saturday.

Despite their impressive form, Tiffoney feels the best could be yet to come.

"We are quite a fresh squad at the minute," he said. "We are still all getting to know each other and once the next few weeks come, I think you will see that.

"We are undefeated so far and I feel like our performances in each game have been really good and it is just looking to build on that now."

Scott Fraser remains a target for Dundee to fill the gap left by Luke McCowan’s departure but the free agent midfielder has other offers to consider. (Courier), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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• Ross County have a greater win rate in the Scottish Premiership against Dundee than any other opponent (47.8% - 11/23), though are winless in their last three league meetings with the Dark Blues (D1 L2).

• Dundee have won their last two league games against Ross County without conceding, never winning three top-flight matches in a row versus the Staggies before.

• Ross County have failed to win each of their opening four matches of a top-flight season (D2 L2) for just a third time, after 2014-15 (first 7) and 2021-22 (10).

• Dundee have only won one of their last 10 Scottish Premiership away games (S4 L5), beating St Johnstone 2-1 in March last season.

• Ross County have recorded just 40 shots in total so far this season in the Scottish Premiership, with only St Mirren having fewer (36).

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty believes Jon McCracken's recent Scotland call-up should be "a huge motivational factor" for the rest of his squad.

The goalkeeper was in the senior set-up for the Nations League double-header with Poland and Portugal last week.

And Docherty believes the inclusion of the 24-year-old can only be a good thing for his players at Dens Park.

"The conversation I had with Jon in the summer was all about if he shows consistency of performance then he could get international recognition," the Dundee boss revealed.

"The same applies with Josh [Mulligan] and Lyall [Cameron], they are doing really well with the Scotland Under-21s, but it is their club performances that will get them into the international scene.

"It acts as a huge motivational factor for the rest in the squad to say: 'I want to be there as well'. It is great that players will come to Dundee now and look at that."

Docherty also praised the leadership qualities of Simon Murray, who will wear the captain's armband following Luke McCowan's exit to Celtic.

Having led the team against St Mirren just before the international break, he will do the same again when they travel to play the club he left in the summer, Ross County, in the Premiership this weekend.

"[Murray] loves his job, he loves Dundee and he brings that real enthusiasm," Docherty added. "He is a leader, like all the senior ones I bring in, they don't accept anybody slacking off in training.

"So there is a real responsibility I think he likes having. He is very highly respected from the players as well.

"I feel as if I am lucky in that situation, Joe Shaughnessy [who is injured] is the club captain, but I have got Trevor Carson, Curtis Main, Jordan McGhee - really good experienced pros who help the younger players."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty has been speaking to the media prior to Saturday’s Premiership trip to Ross County.

Here are the key lines:

• On goalkeeper Jon McCracken’s Scotland call-up for the recent Nations League games, Docherty said it is "a huge motivational factor" for the rest of his squad.

• Docherty says Simon Murray, who will take the captain's armband from Luke McCowan, is "a leader" who thrives on responsibility.

• He is expecting a tough game at Ross County but points out "we are in good form" and has highlighted the importance of staying focussed, adding there is a fine line between confidence and complacency.

• Docherty has praised Willie Collum for better communication since he was appointed the SFA's head of referees, saying it should only benefit the Scottish game.

• The Dundee boss wouldn’t give a timescale on when Joe Shaughnessy will be back but said the centre-back is "ahead of schedule".

• Team news: Charlie Reilly and Clark Robertson are close to returning, but this weekend's game is likely to be too soon.

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Dundee United should have been awarded a penalty in their 2-2 draw with Dundee on the Premiership opening day, Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum has conceded.

Collum highlights eight controversial incidents in The VAR Review, a new monthly show on the Scottish FA's YouTube channel.

Of those eight, the other major decision Collum concluded was wrong was Celtic being denied a spot-kick in their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock.

But Collum, who assumed the role during the summer, said he was "content with the start we've made".

Dundee Utd 2-2 Dundee, 4 August

United's claims for a penalty were denied by referee David Dickinson after the ball struck the arm of Dundee defender Luke Graham.

"This was a missed handball," Collum said. "The ball firstly travels from distance, from a corner kick.

"The Dundee player, when he jumps, his arm is in an unnatural position and he's not jostling with an opponent."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Jon McCracken's Scotland call-up for the Nations League double-header was significant on a couple of levels.

Obviously, it was a huge moment for the player himself. While he didn't feature in the games against Poland and Portugal, just being part of the squad will have been special for the goalkeeper who has five Scotland Under-17 caps to his name.

But the 24-year-old's selection was important for Dundee as a club.

They have been well represented at Under-21 level in recent times, but McCracken's inclusion will show every Dundee player - or prospective signing - that if they impress at Dens Park, there is no reason why their international dreams can't come true.

The Dark Blues have been performing well of late, so it should come as no surprise they have players knocking on the national team door.

Prior to his move to Celtic, Luke McCowan had been touted for possible inclusion and if Under-21 pair Lyall Cameron and Josh Mulligan continue their excellent progress, the same will surely happen to them in the years to come.

Tony Docherty will be delighted to know his players are catching the eye of those running the national set-up, and he will be hoping it can act as a further incentive to all his Scottish players to keep performing to a high standard.

If they do, Docherty will be confident his unbeaten side can pick up where they left off when they resume domestic action against Ross County on Saturday.

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Dundee sit sixth in the Scottish Premiership having won one and drawn three of their four league games this season, but that perhaps doesn't do their performances justice.

While Tony Docherty might be frustrated his side haven't won more, they are unbeaten to date and have managed to find the back of the net nine times, with only Celtic scoring more league goals so far.

They are also outperforming their xG of 6.49, implying a high level of finishing, and have the highest shot conversion rate in the league.

They have had six different goalscorers - again, only Celtic have more. They also have the second-youngest squad in the division with Lyall Cameron high in the charts for chances created with eight.

While things look good for Dundee in an attacking sense, a slight concern is the seven goals they have conceded.

Ziyad Larkeche and Mo Sylla have the joint-most tackles in the league (20) - implying they are kept busy in defence - while Sylla is third in the table for interceptions.

BBC Sport Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions.

Derek asked: What are your thoughts on Simon Murray's career journey, from playing in the juniors with Downfield, Tayport and, briefly, Violet, to captaining Dundee a decade later?

Tom answered: I think the world of him, Derek. He is the epitome of the good pro, a guy who works his backside off every single time he goes on the pitch. His goal tally last season in a very poor Ross County side was outrageous and he's already on six this season.

He looks like a guy who loves what he's doing and gives it absolutely everything. He's had plenty of low points in his career, but he keeps fighting back. At the age of 31 and then 32 he's just had his best ever season. He’s an absolutely brilliant signing, as much off the pitch as on the pitch, I'd guess.

Lindsay asked: Tom, how does a non-Old Firm club, Dundee for example, build a sustainable financial model which allows us to compete salary and performance wise without continually having to sell our best players to the Old Firm? This inhibits competition and development in our domestic game.

Tom answered: Hi Lindsay, I don't see any way how Dundee can hold on to their biggest talents (Luke McCowan for instance) while also keeping an in-demand player happy and running a sustainable financial model at the same time. It’s impossible.

The footballing food chain means that if the Old Firm want one of your players, and have the money to spend, then they're going to get them. The same goes for rich English clubs going after Celtic players. It’s just the way it is. Terrible for competition in Scotland, but it’s not going to change. The financial security of your club is the biggest priority in all of this.

Prize money and TV cash isn't great here, as we know, so building a really healthy financial model is predicated on developing players and then selling them on. We can only hope that having bought McCowan, Celtic now give him plenty of game-time, or else it's a waste of talent.

BBC Sport Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions.

Gary asked: What do you think is the Doc's biggest managerial improvement on last season, and what do you think he still needs to work on? (For me the timing/tactics of substitutions generally needs to improve).

Tom answered: Hi Gary. The standout for me is how much more efficient they are in attack. Their goals tally in the league last season was okay, but they seem to have gone up a level. Only Celtic have scored more league goals so far, which is quite a thing. Dundee have also scored a million in the League Cup. The goals have been nicely spread around as well and they look a more dangerous team.

From memory, Dundee dropped a stack of points very late in games last season. The early signs - admittedly, very early - are that they've reversed that. They've scored a few late-ish ones to grab a point, which is a major plus if they can keep that going.

I haven't really noticed any real issue with the timing of substitutions but you'll be closer to it than me. Obviously, the big challenge now is how to replace Luke McCowan. That trio of McCowan, Cameron and Sylla have been absolutely terrific. Looking forward to seeing what Tony Doc does on that front.

George asked: Who is going to replace Luke McCowan?

Tom answered: It's the burning question, George. Young Sammy Braybrooke, on loan from Leicester, played last weekend but he's only 20 and when he was replaced, Josh Mulligan came on, who's only 21. You don’t get too many Luke McCowan types knocking around the place.

This looks like a change of shape is required to compensate for McCowan's loss because you don't have anybody who can do the things he can do to the same quality.

I've been looking back at the various formations Tony Doc has used this season. He has some versatility in his squad and I'm really interested to see how he sets up the team from now on.

Dundee manager Tony Docherty says Luke McCowan has the mentality to shine at Celtic and the 26-year-old will not just be going to fill a jersey after the Scottish midfielder's summer switch from Dens Park. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Get your questions ready.

Tom English, BBC Sport Scotland's chief sportswriter, is in the hotseat and ready to offer his insight and opinion on your club.

Four games into the Premiership campaign, what would you like to ask?

Put your questions to our man here, external.

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Jon McCracken isn't ready yet to challenge for the Scotland number one jersey after being called up for the first time, says former goalkeeper Cammy Bell.

Dundee's McCracken, 24, has been drafted in after Robby McCrorie dropped out of the squad for the Nations League fixtures against Poland and Portugal.

"I think long term he might have his eye on it," said Bell on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"At the moment I don't think the jersey is up for grabs. Angus Gunn is the one that Steve Clarke will stick to when he's in charge.

"I don't see it, it's not like the competition we've had over the years where we've had the likes of Craig Gordon, Allan McGregor and David Marshall being the three goalkeepers in our squad.

"That was when it was phenomenal competition, I feel as if there's a gap at the moment.

"It's potentially a little bit worrying for Scotland fans going forward of who is going to be the next goalkeeper for the next 10 to 15 years?

"McCracken is 24 now, so he's at an age that he will want to try and push his way into starting and getting a cap but it's going to be difficult at the moment."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

With players like Lyall Cameron still in their ranks, Dundee look well equipped not only to cope, but to continue to kick on over the coming months despite the loss of the mercurial Luke McCowan to Celtic.

The words "today’s man of the match is Lyall Cameron" have been heard many times at Dens Park over the last year or so, and expect to hear them a lot more as the 21-year-old continues to excel.

The midfielder was a shining light again in Tony Docherty’s impressive side against St Mirren at the weekend, with an eye-catching, mature display well beyond his young years.

While a lot of the transfer spotlight was on McCowan, Cameron’s progress will undoubtedly be monitored by clubs beyond the City of the Discovery.

Particularly given that the Scotland Under-21 international is now in the last year of his contract.

Trying to get Cameron to put pen to paper on a new deal should be among the club's top priorities.

You could argue a bit of business like that would be as important, if not more so, than any other bit of wheeling and dealing they do.

It would be a big statement of intent from Dundee, giving the club more security on one of their prize assets and providing the player with more certainty with regards to being able to continue his development.

All of the above will take care of itself one way or the other over the coming months.

In the meantime, the Dark Blues faithful will savour being able to watch one of Scottish football's top young talents strut his stuff at Dens Park.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Deadline day usually brings a sense of optimism and excitement, but this time I was filled with dread as Luke McCowan departed for Celtic.

As predicted, I am devastated by the loss. He was one of the best players I've ever seen at Dens, perhaps second only to his former team-mate Charlie Adam.

McCowan was a revelation when Tony Docherty established him as a central midfielder, but it’s easy to forget this was a player Docherty inherited.

Originally signed by James McPake, McCowan performed as a winger under three different managers at the club. Docherty's recruitment for Dundee has been brilliant, and if he wants to bring in his own player to fill that role, I trust him to find the next McCowan.

Sammy Braybrooke has arrived on loan from Leicester City with rave reviews from high-profile figures at the club. When Jamie Vardy labels him "the Leicester Iniesta" and Brendan Rodgers says "he’s going to be an outstanding player, there’s absolutely no doubt" - it's hard not to be excited by this prospect.

Eyes will also be on Josh Mulligan, another bright youngster known for his direct approach. He could complement Mo Sylla with his physicality and box-to-box movement, while providing Lyall Cameron more creative freedom in that midfield trio. It might just be the perfect fit.

As for Saturday, between Curtis Main's scissor-kick chip and Mikael Mandron's 25-yard half-volley, there was plenty of entertainment on display.

Overall, a draw was a fair result. However, it is concerning that Dundee have developed a habit of leaking cheap goals. The concessions against Dundee United, Hibs and St Mirren were preventable and resulted from basic mistakes.

We head into the international period unbeaten in nine games with 33 goals scored - the highest amount in Scottish football this season - and our goalkeeper Jon McCracken has been called up for the Scotland squad.

There are certainly worse ways to sign off before the break.

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Following his departure from Dundee, Luke McCowan says he will always hold the club close to his heart.

The midfielder left the Dens Park side on transfer deadline day to join boyhood team Celtic after three-and-a-half years on Tayside.

The 26-year-old signed for Dundee from Ayr United in 2021 before going on to play over 100 games while scoring 28 goals.

McCowan, who made his Celtic debut off the bench in Sunday's Old Firm win, says his time at Dens was "an amazing journey".

"Now that I've finally caught up on sleep, I want to say thank you," he said on an Instagram post, external.

"Everyone involved with the club, staff, players and fans have helped me reach my dream."

Dundee face a wait over their application for a new stadium at Camperdown with the relevant local authority planning committee not scheduled to discuss it when they meet next week. (Courier - subscription), external

Hibernian sporting director Malky Mackay revealed the club bid £1m for Luke McCowan before the midfielder left Dundee for Celtic. (Daily Record), external

Read all of Tuesday's Scottish Gossip

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Uncapped Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken has been called up to the Scotland squad for the Nations League matches with Poland and Portugal.

The 24-year-old has previously been capped by his country at under-17 level and replaces Kilmarnock's Robby McCrorie, who has a hip injury. Zander Clark and Angus Gunn are the other keepers available to Steve Clarke.

McCracken has played seven times for his club this season, helping the Dark Blues remain unbeaten for the campaign so far.

Scotland host Poland on Thursday and visit Portugal on Sunday.

Dimitar Mitov (Aberdeen): Outstanding penalty save was as invaluable to Aberdeen continuing their perfect start to the season.

Alistair Johnston (Celtic): Standout performer every week. Brings so much energy, power and invention to this Celtic side in defence and attack.

Liam Scales (Celtic): Outstanding at the back. Shames the doubters continually by never putting a foot wrong.

Dan Casey (Motherwell): Constant menace in the St Johnstone box, always committed. Plays with fire in his belly.

Ross Graham (Dundee United): Slotting in as a square peg in a round hole at left-back, the centre-back has become one of United's most solid performers in recent weeks and scored the winner at Hearts.

Topi Keskinen (Aberdeen): Direct and impactful performance against Ross County. Looks to have really exciting potential.

Callum McGregor (Celtic): Could have pencilled him in before the match even started. The commander-in-chief of a team in full command of every match they play right now. Another superb performance and another great goal.

Lyall Cameron (Dundee): Plenty of life after Luke McCowan with this young man in the Dundee midfield. An assist and always full of guile.

Daizen Maeda (Celtic): Gave Rangers captain James Tavernier another torrid time. His energy and pace on the left gives Celtic such an advantage over Rangers.

Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic): Have run out of superlatives for his movement. Phenomenal to have a player like this in Scottish football. Lighting up the game for Celtic in the final third.

Kevin Nisbet (Aberdeen): What a way to win over the Dons fans. Felt like a statement moment when he struck home the winner deep in injury time in Dingwall. Bojan who?

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Curtis Main says there's "room for improvement" for Dundee despite going into the international break unbeaten.

The striker bagged Dundee's first goal as they drew 2-2 with St Mirren on Saturday, meaning they have won one and drawn three of their opening four league games.

"I think overall we have to be pleased," Main said.

"There is always room for improvement, that has been mentioned in the dressing room and it is something we will look to address in terms of the manner of the points dropped.

"We have got that break now, going in to it unbeaten you can’t be too disappointed but there is definitely some room for improvement.

"There is some work to do so once we go away and regroup and come back then we know the things we need to work on to improve and get stronger and keep fighting."

Watch highlights as Dundee and St Mirren draw in the Scottish Premiership.

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Dundee fans, we asked for your views after Saturday's 2-2 draw with St Mirren.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Bob: Do not agree with most that the Dundee midfield didn’t miss Luke McCowan. We missed his habit of picking up the second ball and his drive from the edge of our penalty area. That was corrected slightly with the introduction of Ethan Ingram and Mulligan. Josh Mulligan could benefit from our loss.

Brian: Well McCowan wasn’t missed, sadly we were second to every 50-50 ball in the first half. We got away with it at times, we really need a goalkeeper that commands his box, doesn’t delay playing the ball out and also doesn’t continuously kick the ball into touch. Sammy Braybrooke looks like a class player. Onwards and upwards we go.

Gary: A draw was frustratingly fair with a bad goal and a good goal apiece but with both teams looking to tire badly at the end it could’ve gone either way. It was a bit of a scare when Billy Koumetio went down but thankfully he went off under his own steam. A couple weeks off will hopefully have the Dee work on their decision making.

Bob: A good entertaining game for a neutral but being a Dundee fan I was disappointed with our defence, however Jordan McGhee was superb. We look as if we’ll score at least two goals per game with the the amount of chances we make. Overall still unbeaten.

Ronnie: Harlem Globetrotters in attack but defence is seriously shaky including the keeper, porous. We can't keep having 2-2 draws. It is great to score for fun but the defence is in dire need of being shored up. No defenders signed in the window, we're very thin at the back however still unbeaten. A good start.

Doug: Dundee’s potent attacking threat was cancelled out by their defensive frailty. Both goals that Dundee conceded were eminently avoidable. A great game for the neutral but these are the games that Dundee need to be winning.