Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Docherty calls for ‘laser focus’ in top-six battle
DUNDEE are among three clubs going into this weekend’s fixtures with a chance of securing the final top-six spot.
Talk of pitches and postponements will take a back seat when the Dark Blues travel to Pittodrie today.
While a win for Dundee settles the matter, they will have a second bite of the cherry should they fail.
That would leave Motherwell or Hibs in sixth but waiting on the outcome of the rescheduled match between the Dark Blues and Rangers on Wednesday.
Manager Tony Docherty – who has a full squad to choose from other than Owen Beck and Diego Pineda – said his attention is solely on this afternoon.
“It is incumbent on me as manager that my laser focus is on the Aberdeen game,” he said.
“I would be hypocritical if I was drawn on anything else.
“It is testament to these players – they have put themselves in this position.
“It is advantage us. Other teams do need to look for different permutations.
“We just need to make sure we go up to Aberdeen and give the best level of performance that gives us the best opportunity to win the game.
“If we win the game, that’s it – it is done.
“That’s what I have asked the players and staff to be – laser focused on the game with Aberdeen. That’s the most important game.”
To secure a top-six spot this weekend, Dundee must do something they have not managed since 2004: win at Aberdeen.
They can take encouragement from earlier meetings this season, with a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie and a 1-0 win at Dens Park last month.
“Records are there to be broken,” added Docherty, who added “encouraging” news about his squad.
“I am delighted to say that, outwith Owen Beck and Diego Pineda, I have a fully fit squad to choose from, which is brilliant news.
“Curtis Main, Josh Mulligan and Ryan Howley are all back training fully and are ready.”
One player who made his comeback from injury in recent weeks is Jordan McGhee.
He marked his return to the starting XI with a goal against Motherwell last week, his fourth in his last 11 matches.
Dundee went on to blow a two-goal advantage against the Steelmen, setting up an intriguing finale before the split.
McGhee said last week’s collapse had been “addressed and put to bed” and that the midweek postponement of the Rangers game had not disrupted the side.
The versatile defender added: “We are under no illusions how difficult it will be but, at the same time, we are in a good place, if you take 15 minutes out of the Motherwell game.
“Wednesday’s postponement didn’t really disrupt our preparations for Saturday.
“The good thing is, if we go to Pittodrie and win, we are in the top six.
“We spoke about it, it’s a situation that’s in our hands. We’re in charge of our own destiny.
“It’s a position we’ll relish and we’ll go up and try and get three points and ensure the club gets top six.”