Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Neil hails Dee’s mental strength
DUNDEE boss Neil McCann has praised his players’ mental strength after they battled back from conceding an early goal to dominate yesterday’s Dens Park draw with Hearts.
The gaffer felt one point should have been three and was frustrated at how easily Ross Callachan’s second-minute opener was lost.
That apart, he had nothing but praise for his troops as they turned in an impressive attacking display.
“I’m delighted with the performance, but I’m not delighted with the early goal,” said Neil.
“There were aspects in it that are frustrating because it’s something we’ve worked on, getting teams to go down one side and don’t let them in at the other.
“But I think the reaction to that considering everybody would know where we are, how our home form has been, it could have got the fans on edge.
“But they were good and there was a trust in our work all week and I thought it was a really good performance.
“It took mental strength and that’s what you are looking for. You are looking for them to stay strong because sometimes the head can over-rule the heart and you go into yourself.
“They didn’t and they continued to work with a purpose and a drive.”
The point earned stretched the gap to bottom club Ross County to seven points and, while Neil knows that’s still not enough to feel safe, he’s looking for his players to take confidence from their work.
If they do, he believes they can cause problems during what appears two daunting trips to Glasgow to face the Old Firm this week.
“It’s going to be a big, big task to go to Glasgow twice i n quick succession.
“It’s a big demand for the fans to dip into their pockets and go and support us.
“Hopefully they’ve seen enough that they feel that’s doable because we need their support.
“The biggest thing for me is that when we’re on it again we can go to Glasgow and we can cause teams like Celtic and Rangers problems but we have to be at our best.”
Skipper Darren O’Dea limped off early in the second half because of a tight hamstring.
Dundee don’t think it’s too serious and he could be back in action this week.