Mccann hopes ‘sense will prevail’ at SFA disciplinary hearing

Dundee manager Neil Mccann hopes “sense will prevail” when he visits Hampden Park this afternoon for his Scottish Football Association disciplinary hearing.

The Dens Park manager will defend himself against an “excessive misconduct” charge which followed his clash with Saints substitute goalkeeper Zander Clark after his side’s 4-0 home defeat earlier in the month. Mccann denied slapping Clark, although both men were issued with a notice of complaint. But, with a home game against Hearts on Sunday and trips to Celtic Park and Ibrox before the split, the former Dundee, Rangers and Scotland winger is hoping he will be allowed to remain in the technical area.

Dundee sit in tenth place, three points ahead of Partick Thistle and six ahead of bottom side Ross County.

“It is important that I am there because I want to be there,” said Mccann, who confirmed that defender Josh Meekings signed a twoyear extension to his contract which takes him to 2020.

“All the work and preparation is done during the week and really the job as a manager and coach is trying to tinker while the game is on-going.

“We are clearly not at the stage where I can sit back and take a seat. Anyone who watches me, I don’t think I have every sat down for longer than two minutes.

“I feel that I need to coach so it is important that I need to be there and I hoping that sense will prevail and I will be there.

“I expect a fair hearing. I will represent myself. I am pleased that the hearing has been put back. They gave me an earlier time which was stopping me doing my preparation towards what is going to be an important period going into the Hearts game.

“I was pleased that they knocked it back to 2pm, so I will get myself down there. “My statement has been handed in. It hasn’t changed”.

Mccann hopes for big things from Meekings next season. The 25-year-old was signed last summer but rehabilitation on a knee injury sustained the previous season meant he did not make his debut until October at Celtic Park. “He has been a big player for us this season and I think he is only going to get better,” said Mccann.

Meekings said: “I am happy that it is finally done. I can’t thank the manager enough. I have been delighted with everything that has gone on albeit we need to turn it around a little bit in the league form and start getting a few results.”