Crucial week ahead

Dens surface can aid survival bid says O’Dea

arguably a clear-cut chance where theirs just kind of fell to them.

“There was nothing in the game but, in terms of reaction, it showed what I’ve believed all year, that we’ve got a good kind of character to us.

“It’s now about matching that with performances and, ultimately, results.”

And O’Dea takes heart from the fact Dundee have already beaten Hearts at Dens this term, back in September when a Kerr Waddell double secured the three points.

“We’ve already beaten Hearts here this season, so we know we can do it. It was a game that had everything I would like from us.

“The first half we battered them, did everything we work on in training and played the style of football we wanted. The second half didn’t go so well. We were on the back foot at times and we conceded a crazy goal if I remember rightly.

“It was a pass back from Moussa you can’t legislate for, it wasn’t down to a defensive error or a kind of break in the team.

“After it we showed great character to get back in the game and big Kerr gets his head on a cross to score a late winner. We showed a bit of everything in that game and that’s what we’re going to need again.”

And a win would be the perfect start to a testing six-day period that will see visits to Celtic and Rangers before the league split.

“The more points we can get before the split the better and, if we can get three on Sunday, it will be a great start to the week.” LEAGUE Two leaders Montrose are at home to Edinburgh City tomorrow.

The Gable Endies lost 3-0 away to Clyde on their last outing but manager Stewart Petrie felt his side were “in total control for the opening 30 minutes”.

He added: “Clyde then made a couple of changes, got a goal and, when that happens, they are a side that is hard to beat. They are on a roll at the moment.”

Petrie added that Montrose are about t o embark on a crucial week.

“We have Edinburgh City at home tomorrow followed by a Tuesday trip to Cowdenbeath and then an away game against Stirling Albion a week tomorrow.

Stewart Petrie “That’s nine points up for grabs and, at the moment, we have almost a full squad to choose from.” The squad trained at St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park last night as they completed their preparations.