Dundee

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

Image source, SNS

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.

We asked for your views on Dundee's dramatic 3-3 draw with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Here's what some of you said...

Andy: Another excellent performance from this depleted Dundee team. Full of energy, drive, desire and commitment. Stout in defence, creative in attack. The Doc has them very well organised and fighting for each other. Superb!

Mark: These games you normally write off and say 'let's hope we don't get a thumping', but an immense performance from the Dee. Great teams find a way, but two great games against the Old Firm in a week and two points won.

Gary: What a performance. Just short of a famous, and well-deserved, win - the frustrations of being a Dee! To say we're disappointed with two points that might've been six against the Old Firm is no bad thing. Standouts throughout the team, as a unit they're all fighting for each other and with a quicker clock we'd have the points.

Rod: Despite having still lost a few goals recently, our midfield and defence are looking much better. Celtic battered us last season but were very lucky to get a draw. On this form I can see us qualifying for a European spot. I still expect us to beat United in the Cup though, after their lucky win in the league. Great transfer window so far!

Carl: Fantastic game! Outplayed the wealthiest team in the league and were so unlucky not to win three points with their non-stop efforts. No failures, a fantastic team effort and kudos to Mr Docherty after recent criticism who got team selection, tactics, subs and team shape just right.

Alan: I was critical of Dundee after the Ross County game but the turnaround from then has been incredible. Unlucky to lose against United but other than that we have really dug in and got some great results. To get back-to-back draws with the Old Firm, both of which could have been wins, sums up the determination that every player has shown recently.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

I have always maintained that I have found Dundee one of the most entertaining teams to watch since Tony Docherty took charge in the summer of 2023.

I associate them with an attractive style of play, as a front foot team that can set about things with a real swagger at times.

Over the last few weeks it has been different, equally impressive traits - those of being gritty and gutsy - that have also come to the fore.

With a squad that has been stretched to the limits in recent times because of injury and illness, the Dark Blues players have gone to the well - and delivered big style.

Docherty described Tuesday night's 3-3 draw with runaway league leaders Celtic as heroic - and it is hard to dispute that assessment, as they came within seconds of securing what would have been a famous victory.

Despite the selection issues they have faced of late, Dundee have put together a very solid run of results.

It is now just one defeat in five games - a sequence which includes away wins at St Mirren and St Johnstone, as well as back to back draws against both halves of the Old Firm.

And - despite what I have outlined above - they have continued to play some very decent football too.

Dundee are now seventh in the table, just two points off the top six.

And you get a sense that if they can continue to perform the way they have been - as well as get all the players who are unavailable back - then there is no reason why they can't attack the second half of the season with a real sense of optimism about what the next few months can yield.

Image source, SNS

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Dundee vice-captain Simon Murray admits Celtic's added-time equaliser was a "gutting" blow on what was otherwise a "good night" for the club.

The Dark Blues were seeking a first win over league leaders Celtic at Dens Park since September 1988, just days after holding second-placed Rangers to a draw.

The home team fell short after coming from behind twice before taking the lead with 12 minutes remaining.

Murray impressed on the night, using his intelligence and physicality to give opposition centre-back Auston Trusty an evening to forget, and remained positive despite Arne Engels' late leveller.

"We knew it was going to be tough. We had a game plan and the boys stuck to it," he said. "Losing the late goal is gutting. But, overall, it was a good night.

"The boys really stuck together. It gives us belief going forward. Massive game next [Dundee United in the cup], but we look forward to it.

"We have got to take confidence from that game going forward."

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Dundee defender Aaron Donnelly says the Dark Blues were "really disappointed" to drop points to Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic as the two sides fought out an exhilarating 3-3 draw.

Donnelly, who re-signed this week following a prior loan spell last season, netted his first goal for the club across both spells when he headed Dundee in front on 78 minutes.

"It was a great performance from us. We stuck to our game plan," he said.

"We were really resilient without the ball and we had a good shape. We really dug in towards the end."

The draw moves Dundee above St Mirren into seventh place, and Donnelly believes the disappointment in the dressing room following the match shows the strong mentality within the squad.

"Celtic are top opposition with top players. We showed how we can compete in this league and climb up it," he added.

"We were really disappointed not to get three points and that shows the way this club is going."