Simplicity is paying off as Dundee soar

OUT OF ideas, out of luck and out of form. It is a summary of a largely wretched season for Dundee which is showing signs of recovery. Fortunately for captain Darren O’Dea, his lack of invention has helped the club move a step closer to safety in the Premiership. Trailing 1-0 to Ross County and running out of time, the Dens Park men won a penalty, with O’Dea (below) taking responsibility. Last month, the former Celtic defender drew Dundee level in Dingwall with his first-ever spot-kick before their hearts were broken by Liam Boyce’s last-gasp penalty in a 2-1 loss. That result was part of Dundee’s miserable run of seven defeats in a row which ultimately cost manager Paul Hartley his job. At Dens Park on Saturday, O’Dea stepped up again with 14 minutes remaining after Cammy Kerr had been fouled. The Irishman leathered the ball high into the net, earning Neil McCann’s men a draw which puts them five points clear of the relegation playoff spot with two games left. ‘It’s a bit new,’ said O’Dea. ‘Apart from the last two, I’d never taken a penalty. I thought if there is any doubt in my head I’m going to leather this. ‘I’m sure there were others who would have taken it, but I scored the last one, so I’ll take it again. ‘It was great and it was what we deserved. The only thing that was missing was three points.’ Dundee went into this match following back-to-back wins under the guidance of McCann. Their sluggish start against the Staggies came as a surprise. After Boyce scored four minutes in, Dundee threatened to fall out of the game. But they regrouped and fought their way back. O’Dea is unsure if McCann will still occupy the hotseat next season, but is in no doubt of the players’ responsibilities, saying: ‘No one is playing for the manager. They’re playing for the club. Whoever is in charge, you’re playing for the club. ‘The fans were here long before all of us and they’ll be here after us. As long as every player here gives 100 per cent.’