| With Dundee and Dundee United losing, Livi’s victory over Kilmarnock on Wednesday — their first three points in three months — was perceived as a big boost for manager Richard Gough and his beleaguered players.
Today, though, his opposite number at Dens was quick to point out that not so long ago he would have bitten the hand off anyone who offered his team a points advantage going into this game.
“Four or five weeks ago, if someone told us we would be five points ahead of anyone right now, we would have been more than happy,” said Jim today. “We were bottom then and would have taken an advantage of a point — a goal even — just to move up the table. It says a lot for our progress that tomorrow we have the chance of getting the gap back to eight points.”
And preparing his team so they have the best possible chance of doing that was all that was concerning Jim.
“Livingston’s result the other night has added an edge to the game and I am aware there will be extra pressure. As far as I am concerned, all the various permutations about what might happen are for journalists and the media to focus on.
“For me, the only angle I am approaching this from is preparing a team so that we have the best possible chance of getting three points.
“Once we’ve done that, we will see what happens and then look at the situation once we know the result. What I would add, is that, for us, it is a game where we can be positive because we know that a win will do us a lot of good. If we go about the job in the same way as we did for an hour at Celtic on Wednesday, we have a very good chance of winning.”
It is still too early to say for definite, but the manager looks like having the option of using the same starting line-up as faced the Hoops.
Midfielder Mark Fotheringham had to go off at Parkhead with a knock on the knee, but is in the running to be fit. However, there is no place for striker Tam McManus, who has been ruled out due to an ankle injury.
The Dark Blues, meanwhile look set to have a keeper with extensive SPL experience on the bench tomorrow. The player concerned, who hasn’t arrived at the club yet, will provide back-up for Derek Souter following Kelvin Jack’s injury.
Dundee are hopeful of a big turnout tomorrow as fans take advantage of the latest kids-for-free scheme that will see up to nine youngsters per supervising adult allowed in.
Supporters are reminded that anyone wishing to take up the offer and head for the Bobby Cox Stand will first have to pick up tickets at the club shop — the Bob Shankly Stand is pay-at-the-gate for adults. |
