The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Derby rivals eye last-eight place
BETFRED CUP: Striker out to take advantage, defender aims to make amends
Rivalries are renewed at Dens Park tonight as Dundee host neighbours United in the second round of the Betfred Cup.
Tangerines striker Scott McDonald, who is expected to make a first start for the club, aims to cause havoc among a rejigged home backline, though Dark Blues defender Jack Hendry is equally determined to stop him and taste derby success at the second time of asking.
The Australian frontman is hoping to test a Dundee defence shorn of his former Celtic teammate Darren O’Dea through suspension and with injury worries thrown in.
He said: “I know that my friend Darren O’Dea is out so that will be a big loss for them. So maybe we can capitalise on that. I hope so.”
Hendry and his team-mates are relishing a quick opportunity to make amends for the shootout defeat by their city rivals in the group stages.
The former Partick Thistle and Wigan man said: “The good thing about football is that games come thick and fast and there is always a chance to correct things you felt didn’t go well. So hopefully it will be our fans who are cheering this time.”
It is rare indeed to hear a big cheer emanating from a dressing-room full of players who have just lost a cup tie on penalties to their derby rivals.
However, that noise erupted at Dens two Sundays ago when the Dundee players discovered they had been drawn out of the hat against Dundee United once again in the knockout phase of the Betfred Cup.
And tonight at the same venue, Dark Blues centre-half Jack Hendry is determined the cheers will also be ringing out from the home stands in celebration as the players look to make amends for that earlier setback against the Tangerines – and to take a big step towards the final at Hampden.
The 22-year-old former Partick Thistle and Wigan defender, who could be handed a start this evening with skipper Darren O’Dea suspended, said: “We felt we should have got more out of the last game.
“It is always good to play in a local derby so it is great to be facing them again in such a short period of time.
“Obviously they are not in the league again this year so it gives us a chance to beat them. “It is a big game for the city. “It would be great for the football club and the fans to have a day out at Hampden.
“That’s what we are aiming for and we are only a couple of wins away from doing that.
“That should be more than enough incentive for everyone.
“The good thing about football is that the games come thick and fast and there is always a chance to correct things you felt didn’t go well.
“So hopefully it will be our fans who are cheering this time.
“The boys know how important this game is to the football club so we will do our best to go and get the right result.”
Hendry was sent on as a sub in the 80th minute of the first derby and came agonisingly close to snatching a dramatic late winner deep into stoppage time but was denied by the woodwork.
He admitted he revelled in the highlycharged atmosphere and Hendry believes it will be even more intense this time around with the players fully aware that this is now the knockout stage of the competition. He said: “I came on late in the derby. “I thought we were dominant. I thought they were hanging on at the end and we were going to get a winner. I nearly scored but I hit the post.
“It was disappointing that we didn’t get the win but hopefully we can put it right on Wednesday night.
“The atmosphere in the last game was brilliant. It was my first experience of the Dundee derby and it was really good.
“This game will be even more intense. It’s a knockout and that may add something more to the occasion.
“But we will approach it in the same positive manner. We have to approach games in the right way.
“I’ve not really had fans coming up to me talking about the derby. But I think the players all know what it means and what is on the line.
“We don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves but we know what it means to us and to them.
“We are the most dominant team in the city because we are in the league above.
“I don’t think there’s a question about that. This maybe gives us the opportunity to state that.
“But whatever the result is I think we are still the most dominant team because we are in the top league.”
Hendry did his chances of winning the nod from manager Neil McCann no harm by scoring his second goal for the club against Ross County on Saturday at Dens and he insists it is important everybody in the team hits the back of the net, not just the front men.
He said: “Of course, that’s always the case.
“It is always nice to have a striker who scores but it is down to all of us to try to grab goals.
“If everybody chips in during the season, then I am sure it will be a successful one.”
Hendry is currently based in Scotland’s capital but after signing a two-year deal with the Dark Blues he is keen to set up home in the City of Discovery.
He added: “I am planning to move up to Dundee but I am in Edinburgh just now.
“I am in a car pool with Scott Bain, Kevin Holt and Lewis Spence so there is a good mix.
“I actually enjoy it as there is great banter and camaraderie. But ultimately I am looking to move up here.”
It would be great for the football club and the fans to have a day out at Hampden. JACK HENDRY