Dundee deserve great credit for gameplan

It could be called Dundee’s very own ‘Project Brave’. Neil McCann’s message has never wavered since he took over as permanent Dark Blues boss – he wants his team to play without fear.

They certainly showed that quality in abundance at Parkhead on Saturday.

All too often, sides in this country are reduced to launching the ball long against Celtic in Glasgow only for it to come straight back with interest in the shape of Hoops goals.

So Dundee deserve enormous credit for sticking to their game plan to play out from the back despite being under huge pressure.

Yes, they took risks at times but as the game progressed, they grew in confidence and created some superb chances.

Unfortunately they didn’t take them but you could understand why Paul McGowan said he was excited about the potential of this new-look side as it really starts to gel.

The manager himself also showed bravery.

There are few bosses who would drop a player who was the two-goal hero in the victory over Hearts last time out for a defender who hasn’t played for 10 months.

However, that’s what McCann did, drafting in Josh Meekings for his first start, while Kerr Waddell was on the bench. The former Inverness man paid back his manager’s faith in him with an assured debut for the Dark Blues.

Overall, though, I am sure McCann will not be satisfied until he has changed the mindset at the club as points not plaudits, even at a place as daunting as Celtic Park, are ultimately what matters.