The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Dens men face pair of vital games
It is unlikely even Santa could provide the gift of points for Dundee from an encounter at Celtic Park at the moment.
And as soon as Mikey Johnston’s opening goal for the Hoops hit the back of the net, there was only going to be one winner in the top v bottom clash.
It capped a miserable week for Jim McIntyre’s men in what was their third tough away game in succession.
The Dark Blues conceded an aggregate of 11 goals and scored just two in the three matches at Killie, Aberdeen and Celtic.
They cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves, however, with crunch home games against Livingston and St Johnstone this week before the winter break.
It goes without saying that they have to take points in those two matches especially after St Mirren won on Saturday and Hamilton secured a draw.
Hopefully Darren O’Dea will be fit to take his place in defence and the now 39-yearold Kenny Miller will be back to lead the attack after starting on the bench at Celtic, while his namesake Calvin will also be recalled.
Dundee simply have to stay in touch with their relegation rivals before the break and the likely arrival of reinforcements in the January window.
Paul McGowan was right when he said the next two games will not decide Dundee’s fate this season – but they are certainly in the proverbial cup final category.