McCann hits back at pundit’s prediction

Manager defends side against claims they would burn out

Dundee boss Neil McCann has responded to a prediction made by TV pundit Chris Sutton during the derby win over Dundee United.

McCann, a former studio analyst for Sky, didn’t name the ex-Celtic striker but obviously took umbrage at Sutton’s suggestion during BT Sport’s live coverage of Wednesday’s Betfred Cup clash that his team might not last the pace.

They certainly did, deservedly beating the Tangerines 2-1 to secure a quarterfinal tie against Celtic on September 20.

As he prepared for today’s league trip to Hamilton Accies, the Dark Blues manager said: “It is funny because I have heard comments from people who were saying Dundee would burn out. It was a certain pundit on the television who was thinking we would burn out at half-time because of the intensity of our play.

“I obviously didn’t hear it at the time so it didn’t bother me.

“Afterwards I just laughed. I just knew it wouldn’t (happen). Whether he (Sutton) had a change of opinion, I don’t know.

“But certainly everyone I have spoken to and every comment I have heard has been about the intensity and the workrate of the players, saying it was brilliant.

“We train at such a high intensity all week and it’s all timed so that we can sustain it.

“Every other manager would probably back their side but I think we’re really fit – absolutely.”