HARTLEY FIRED UP BY FLAK

DUNDEE manager Paul Hartley hopes some earlyseason criticism can help his side find their stride against Dumbarton today. The new-look Dens Park outfit failed to impress in a 1-1 draw with east Fife at Methil last weekend which saw them lose a bonus point as the Fifers prevailed in a penalty shootout in their Betfred Cup opener. now the Dark Blues are bidding to bounce back from that disappointment, with Hartley insisting they will be fired up for the visit of the Sons. Hartley said: ‘We got stick after the east Fife game. Some people thought we weren’t taking it seriously, but we were. ‘Dumbarton will be another difficult game but we’ll be ready for it and going out to try to get the victory.’ Hartley has joined Ross County boss Jim McIntyre in calling for more substitutes to be available in the early stages of the competition. The revamped format has generally been well received by fans across the country, but there are only 14 players permitted during any game. Hartley said: ‘I think this competition is good but it still doesn’t give you game time with the majority of the squad. ‘I’d like to see more players used, five or six instead of the three substitutes we are allowed, especially in the group stage.’