Dundee manager Tony Docherty says transfer talk around Rangers-linked midfielder Lyall Cameron, 22, is "purely speculation". (Courier - subscription), external
Docherty is unsurprised by reported Rangers interest in Cameron but remains hopeful the midfielder will stay at Dens Park. (Sun), external
Image source, SNSDundee could hand a debut to new left-back Imari Samuels, while Lyall Cameron and Finlay Robertson have a chance of returning from injury, but Billy Koumetio (ankle), Antonio Portales, Jordan McGhee, Ziyad Larkeche (all hamstring), Joe Shaughnessy (knee) and Scott Fraser (groin) are all set to remain sidelined.
Celtic have Nicolas Kuhn and Luis Palma back in their squad and will give Daizen Maeda every chance of shaking off a strain. James Forrest remains on the sidelines with a foot injury.
Image source, SNSTony Docherty insists Dundee will need to replicate the performance level put in against Rangers last week if they are to take points off league leaders Celtic, too.
The Dundee manager praised his squad for going "over and above for their team-mates" in the 1-1 draw with Rangers and is urging them to do the same on Tuesday night.
"I wouldn't set the team up if I didn't [think we could get a result]," said Docherty.
"We know we are playing a really strong Celtic team, last week we played a really strong Rangers team.
"We asked the squad to go over and above for their team-mates, and I think you saw that in the performance we put in.
"It's going to need that type of performance again.
"Against Celtic there's so much that we're going to have to do right. Out of possession we need to be really defensively organised, but we need to make sure that particularly at home that we carry that goal threat.
"I thought we got that right against Rangers and it will be challenging but we need to endeavour to do the same thing against Celtic."
Image source, SNSDundee manager Tony Docherty has been talking to the media before his side host Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Tuesday.
Here are the main points:
Docherty is pleased with the arrival of Imari Samuels who is a "really talented and technical player" and gives his side "real competition" for places.
The Dundee boss also revealed Mexican winger Victor Lopez is close to joining from Monterrey on loan, following Cesar Garza in making the move to Dens.
Insists the squad went "over and above for their teammates" in the 1-1 draw with Rangers last week and he wants them to "endeavour to do the same" against Celtic.
On being eighth in the league table, Docherty adds he's not putting much focus on positions because it is "so tight."
But stresses if Dundee can "maintain the consistency" they're beginning to show then they're "in top-six form."
Docherty confirmed there are no new injuries and they will be giving Lyall Cameron and Finlay Robertson "every chance" of getting back in the squad for Tuesday night.
Image source, SNSOluwaseun Adewumi has had his loan stay with Dundee from English Championship side Burnley extended to the end of the season.
The 19-year-old Austria Under-21 attacking midfielder has impressed since arriving from the Clarets on an initial deal until January, scoring three goals in 15 games.
Manager Tony Docherty hoped the club's partnership with Burnley would help smooth the way for an extension of the youngster's stay, and his wishes have been granted.
Earlier today, though, Leicester City recalled Sammy Braybrooke from his season-long loan prematurely.
The 20-year-old initially excited, but has struggled for game time after a bright start, making just eight appearances.
Image source, Getty Images"Energetic" Imari Samuels has joined Dundee on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Premier League side, Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 21-year-old left-back came through the ranks at Reading, before joining the Seagulls in 2022 and spent the end of last season on loan at Fleetwood Town.
The former England youth international, who made two appearances at the under-20 World Cup in 2023, arrives at Dens Park following "positive talks" with manager Tony Docherty.
In recent games, Dundee have had as many as 10 players out to injury, but Samuels arrives "ready to go and ready to kick on".
"It feels great to get this opportunity and I'm ready to kick on," Samuels, who made one senior appearance in a League Cup tie for Brighton, told club media.
"I spoke with the manager on Tuesday and it was a really positive talk and from there, I knew it was the right choice for me to come here.
"I'm an energetic player who likes to get up and down the pitch and I will fight for every ball.
"I'm ready to go and I can't wait to play in front of the Dundee fans."
Dundee are in talks with Monterrey over a loan deal for 21-year-old winger Victor Lopez, who could be recalled from his current loan to Mexican rivals Queretaro. (Daily Record)
Aaron Donnelly says he is returning to Dundee a better player after spending the first half of the season at Colchester United. (The Courier)
Read the rest of Monday's gossip.
We asked for your views on Dundee's 1-1 draw at home to Rangers.
Here's what some of you said:
Jefcal: A point from any game against one of the Old Firm teams is good. We did okay and looked better in defence than before Christmas. Rangers taking flak but there were two teams on that park. Penalty claims and offside looked marginal.
Rod: Defence looks better these past few games. Great to get Aaron Donnelly back and our new Mexican midfielder looks like a Rottweiler when defending. Hope Clark Robertson is fit now as he looks good too and it gives us a bit of time to get other players back fit. Rangers had injuries apparently but their extra budget of millions couldn't help this time.
John: I thought Dundee played really well with so many injured first-team players. Donnelly's return was superb and I can't fault a single Dundee player. The Rangers goal should not have stood as there was a clear foul on Simon Murray that should have been a Dundee penalty.
David: I'd take Mo Sylla at Dens for the rest of his career over a new stadium, give him whatever he wants.
Ronnie: Great point although could have taken all three. The defence looked settled, Robertson and Donnelly were solid. Oluwaseun Adewumi waa outstanding, brilliant to have him until end of the season. Night and day in two weeks from the County debacle, don't realistically expect anything against Celtic but cup game revenge v B team is definitely on.
Gary: A great display again by the Dee. Rangers had most of the ball but were limited by themselves and more importantly the good play by Dundee. Well contained and hard working, on a different day the offside is on but I think it showed how competitive the Dee can be on the counter or with their own build-up. Sevens and eights throughout the team.
Image source, SNSRangers had an xG (expected goals) of 0.73 - their lowest in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Dundee attempted 12 shots in this match, higher than their season average of 10.7 in the Premiership.
Vaclav Cerny has created 48 chances this season, more than any other player in the Premiership.
Josh Mulligan has assisted four goals in the Premiership this season (1 in this game), no Dundee player has more.
Cerny has scored eight goals in the Premiership this season (1 in this game), more than any other Rangers player.
Dundee have lost 15 points from winning positions in the Premiership this season, only Hibernian (16) have lost more.
Rangers' away woes in the Scottish Premiership continued as they were held by Dundee to extend their winless run on the road to four matches.
The hosts took an early lead when Oluwaseun Adewumi smartly turned in Josh Mulligan's cross after Rangers were left scrambling at the back.
Vaclav Cerny levelled after a quick counter as the visitors managed to respond before the break.
But the Rangers onslaught which might have been expected never materialised, and Dundee arguably looked the more likely to find a winning goal on the break.
Let us know your thoughts on Dundee's performance., external
Image source, SNSDundee manager Tony Docherty: "That was such a strong team performance, taking into consideration we have 10 players out.
"I am a bit disappointed. Against the ball we were fantastic and we carried a real goal threat.
"I'm really disappointed with the goal, I need to see it back but I think it was a penalty. It was such a clumsy challenge from their defender and Simon Murray goes down. We don't react to that second phase though.
"We had a great move to get the offside goal and I thought we were actually going to win at the death.
"I'm really proud of the players, I'm tinged with a bit of disappointment but of course, I'm happy with a point against Rangers, I need to be pleased with it."
Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSThere were a lot of fantastic performances for Dundee, but Adewumi was the best player on the pitch.
His goal was a deceptively difficult one to convert as it sat up off the turf, but the Burnley loanee made it look simple with a swipe of his right boot.
He was in the right place at the right time to tap home another, which might have won it but for Murray being a bit too keen to run on to Josh Mulligan's pass.
Adewumi also had another fierce shot saved by Liam Kelly, and right at the end he was back in his own box shielding the ball out of play to get the result over the line.
Mulligan's running power was so effective on the break for Dundee as well, and he reacted quickest in the box to pounce on Scott Tiffoney's deflected strike and cross for Adewumi's goal.
With 10 players out injured - including star man Lyall Cameron - this was an impressive result and performance from Tony Docherty's side.
Image source, SNSOluwaseun Adewumi was the standout for Dundee. He took his goal brilliantly, thought he had another, and was even back shielding the ball out at the end.
Image source, SNSDundee have lost 13 of their last 15 meetings with Rangers in all competitions (D2) since a 2-1 victory in November 2017 under Neil McCann.
Rangers have conceded just one goal in total in their last five visits to Dundee in all competitions (W4 D1), although drew 0-0 in their last such visit in April last season.
Dundee have lost five of their last eight home league games (W3), including both of their last two in a row.
Rangers have lost each of their last three top-flight away games played on a Thursday, with their last such win coming in November 1996 at Celtic (1-0).
Since the start of last season, Dundee have won just two of their 14 midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) league games (D3 L9), beating Aberdeen in March 2024 (1-0) and Motherwell in December 2024 (4-1).
Dundee are not finished in the transfer market after recruiting defender Aaron Donnelly, 21. (Courier - subscription), external
Image source, SNSAaron Donnelly impressed during a loan spell at Dens Park last season
Dundee manager Tony Docherty says Aaron Donnelly possesses every quality he wants in a player after bringing the defender to Dens Park on a permanent basis.
Donnelly, 21, made 21 appearances for Dundee on loan last season as they secured a top-six Scottish Premiership finish, and has now penned a three-and-a-half year deal after signing from Nottingham Forest.
The defender received a senior international call-up during that spell, before making his Northern Ireland debut over the summer, and Docherty is excited by his potential.
"Absolutely delighted to get Aaron in," Docherty said. "As you know, we tried to get him in the summer, but we couldn't agree things with Nottingham Forest.
"Along with Owen Beck and Malachi Boateng, he played a really big part last year in our success.
"We're getting a really talented young footballer. In his time here, we developed him to a level that he made his international debut for Northern Ireland, which is no mean feat for a kid.
"He shows real qualities, real strength, mentality, personality. He's everything I want to bring to the football club. He's got huge potential and I'm just really looking forward to developing that."
Docherty says Donnelly's desire to return to Dens Park highlights the impressive work done by Dundee's coaching staff with younger players.
"He's in the right environment and it's really exciting for me," Docherty added. "I've been pushing it for a while to get him in the building and I'm pleased he trained with the boys today.
"When you bring in a talented young player from Nottingham Forest on loan, and he plays, we're successful as a team, he gets an international call-up, and then he wants to come back to that environment, then that does tell you loads about the work that goes on here."
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee manager Tony Docherty has been talking to the media before his side host Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Thursday.
Here are the best bits from his press conference:
Docherty is delighted to get Aaron Donnolly back to the club on a permanent deal having failed to agree terms with Nottingham Forest in the summer. Believes they have a young player with a big future - "He's everything I want to bring to the football club".
Says some players at the weekend were "running on empty" amid a "really challenging" run of fixtures.
The following players are out with injury - Scott Fraser, Ziyad Larkeche, Joe Shaughnessy, Antonio Portales, Jordan McGhee, Billy Koumetio, Finlay Robertson and Charlie Reilly. "It's almost a team," Docherty said of his absentees. "A good team that, I tell you."
He is relying on players' "personality and mentality" to get through games at the moment, and revealed he has adjusted how he works on the training ground.
To beat Rangers will take a strong mentality and "really sound defensive organisation". Praised Philippe Clement as a manager and the "really talented" squad the Belgian has at his disposal.
Image source, SNSDundee have signed defender Aaron Donnelly from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Dundee, making 21 appearances following his debut in October 2023 at Livingston.
Donnelly has been on loan at Colchester United this season, playing 22 times for the English League Two club.
He made his Northern Ireland debut in November last year when he came on as a substitute against Andorra.
"I am absolutely delighted to be back at the club," the centre-back told Dundee's website.
"As soon as I knew there was interest, it was a no-brainer to come back. My time here was excellent last season, really successful and I hope to pick up where I left off.
"There was a real connection with the fans and the players and I'm looking to repay them for the great support. I can't wait to get back out in front of them.
"I am really looking forward to seeing the fans again at Dens Park on Thursday night [against Rangers] and make sure to bring the noise."
Dundee are closing in on a deal for Nottingham Forest centre-back Aaron Donnelly, who was on loan at Dens Park last season. (Daily Record)
Luke Graham says Dundee are reaping the benefits of his loan spells as he is now a "more mature and definitely more confident" player. (The Courier)
Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.
Ethan Hampton
Fan writer
Losing to your city rivals is always a sore one. We had a lot of built-up frustrations and it was taken out on St Johnstone.
First, though, a few derby grumbles to get off my chest. Dundee were the only team in the contest for the first half and when Simon Murray opened the scoring with half an hour left, I thought we would see it through.
But the result was completely on brand as we threw away the lead and found a way to lose the game. Once again we were our own worst enemy.
I felt Tony Docherty had to make changes in the last 15-20 minutes to secure a result but he didn't act until injury time.
The only silver lining from that result is we will get a second crack of the whip when we host United again in the Scottish Cup. Winning the cup tie is the only way to make up for that collapse.
The fans were looking for a big response against St Johnstone and the Dees delivered - we were 3-0 up before 25 minutes and it could have been five by half-time!
We displayed the spirit shown last season in responding to adversity and in the second half the instructions were to sit back and defend the lead.
We were unlucky not to keep a clean sheet but I am delighted the team held out and got the practice of defending on the back foot for a large spell as that's how we will set up in our next three league games against Rangers and Celtic (twice).
Luke Graham in particular felt like a breath of fresh air, the youngster provided a level of maturity that has been lacking from Dark Blue defenders all season. He is one to keep an eye on.
Next up is Rangers, who have taken just two points from their last three matches on the road. Dundee in recent years have given them a good run for their money at Dens Park.
My main worry is that our squad are a bit depleted as a handful of injuries left us unable to fill our bench on Sunday.
The teams we want to compete with have all taken points off Rangers this season and there is no reason we can't secure a result, but it will take great grit, tenacity and spirit.
Dundee fans, we asked what business you'd like to see your side do in the January window.
Here's what some of you said:
Flynn: I think we need to strengthen the depth in defence. We only have one traditional left-back, who is currently injured, and we need to get at least another central defender in because of our injuries. We've had Luke Graham return on loan, which is a positive, and hopefully we can extend Oluwaseun Adewumi's loan deal.
Gary: I think this window has to be all about cover. In midfield we're generally stocked, but defence could definitely do with a lift and other options up front never go amiss. As long as we keep hold of our next most bankable asset (Lyall Cameron) then anything else is a bonus when pickings are usually slim.
Darren: Defenders, defenders, defenders and defenders.
Ross: We need another left-back for the present and to cover when Ziyad Larkeche comes back. We could do with a bona fide right-back too and maybe another centre-back. I'd love to see an attacking midfielder or a right winger as we need someone to reliably supply Simon Murray and Seb Palmer-Houlden.
Danny: I expect any new signings this window to be loans. What we need is a solid, dependable centre-back, a creative midfield player and another striker. Apart from those we need the rest of the squad to dig in, because we are definitely in a relegation battle.
Kevin: Hopefully a new striker and two centre-halves.
