That second claim may be the one more likely to anger Dark Blues and Tangerines punters, but it was the Irish remark that got under the Dens boss’s skin.

In the wake of his dramatic Alba Challenge Cup Final win over Inverness on Sunday, Jocky’s already pointed out there was enough talent in the First Division to expand the SPL.

Today, he added McGhee should know that after the Dons crashed out of the Co-Op Cup at Dens Park earlier this season.

“The remark about bringing in Irish clubs is derogatory to the First Division, particularly right after ourselves and Inverness have just shown how good the standard in our league can be,” said Jocky.

“Mark knows that, because he saw us beating his team!

“Where he is right, is by saying they have to bring in more teams, but there are plenty of Scottish teams who are of the standard they need.”

Turning to the top division as a whole, Jocky believes the SPL have reached the stage where they have to expand to save their league.

“Right now, it’s going nowhere and they have to change things, though I’m told the way they would like to go is to reduce it to 10 teams.

“That would not make things any better and they have to be looking to expand and get more teams into their league.”

As for McGhee’s view there could be one Dundee club challenging the Old Firm, Jocky feels he might have been right 20 years ago, but not now.

“If there was ever a time to do it, then it was in the 80s when Jim (McLean) was still at United and Archie (Knox) was in charge here.

“Both teams were in the top division, doing well and had good squads, and a coming together then might have produced a team capable of challenging for the league on a regular basis.

“A few chairmen looked at it, but the fans did not want it then and they definitely don’t want it now — I certainly don’t see it ever happening.”

Dundee were hoping for good news today after Eric Paton and Sean Higgins had knee injuries scanned. Jocky still hopes to have both in his squad for Ross County on Tuesday.

And there is even a chance Paul McHale may recover from a groin problem and make the Highland trip.

After being out for most of the year with knee trouble, though, boss Craig Levein will resist any temptation to promote him to the starting line-up.

“Jon is definitely our most physical striker and he is a great option to have, but it will probably be another month before I think about him in terms of a starting place,” said Craig.

“It’s been great for him as well to be involved again and I was delighted for him that he scored on Sunday, but you have to remember he has not even had many reserve games. He was ill and missed out last week, and then the one against Airdrie on Tuesday was off because of the weather, so he has had hardly any football.”

Meanwhile, defenders Mihael Kovacevic and Garry Kenneth may not be on duty at Fir Park.

Kovacevic has not been training because of a thigh strain, though he still has time to recover. Less likely to make an appearance is groin-injury victim Kenneth.

“Garry had a wee setback last Friday and it’s still bothering him a bit this week, so I don’t expect him to make it,” explained Craig.

Steven Anderson has, however, resumed training following his back injury and Steven Milne, out for some time with an ankle knock, should be back training next week.

Martin Hardie will undergo a knee operation tomorrow in which the surgeon will assess the damage before the player undergoes further surgery later.

Meanwhile, boss Derek McInnes has returned from his trip to Italy, which is part of his studies for his UEFA Pro Licence. He took in the Sampdoria-Chievo and Juventus-Udinese games and saw round the Sampdoria youth and coaching set-up.