McCann: League Cup is important

DUNDEE’S pre-season schedule is filling up after a friendly was announced with Arbroath as manager Neil McCann wants to hit the ground running in the Betfred Cup.

The Arbroath fixture on Saturday, July 8, at Gayfield has been added to trips to Brechin City and St Mirren as the new Dark Blues gaffer gets his squad up to speed.

The season proper gets under way on Tuesday, July 18, at Raith Rovers in the League Cup group section and Neil is determined to ensure his team is ready.

Last campaign under previous boss Paul Hartley, Dundee were heavily criticised by fans as a couple of limp performances at East Fife and Peterhead saw them crash out at the first hurdle.

This season they are determined to avoid a repeat.

McCann said:“The League Cup games will not be used as warm-ups.

“We’ll be ready, we’ll look to get friendlies in to prepare for them.

“These games are not to be messed with because the League Cup is too important to the club.”

The Gayfield trip will see the Dark Blues take on an outift on a high, not long after sealing the League Two title.

Arbroath under Dick Campbell won just their second league title in their 138-year history.

They’ll also have former Dundee striker Josh Skelly in their ranks after he joined the Red Lichties from Dens Park.

Others with history at the Dark Blues are John Gibson, Steven Doris and, of couse, Bobby Linn.

Dundee will play Arbroath on Saturday, July 8, at Gayfield.