‘We need to put 6-2 defeat right in Friday’s Dens derby’

ourselves to make sure we get as high up the table as possible.

“We’re not where we want to be at the moment but we’ve gone a long way this week to putting that right.

“We know after last time there’s a lot of expectation on us and we need to go and put in a much better performance.

“We need to put that right but the most important thing for us is climbing the table and getting points on the board.

“We did that over the last week or so, getting nine points from three games, but we want to continue that.

“We’re playing Dundee United on Friday but the most important thing is we get the three points on Friday to keep going with our form.

“The place will be packed, like it was in the first derby, so we’re looking forward to having the fans behind us and we’ve, hopefully, given them a lift this week as well.

“It’s been difficult for them but we want to give them something to cheer about. It’s going to be a really good game and we’re looking forward to it.”

One player Ness expects to have a big impact in Friday night’s derby is Dark Blues midfielder Graham Dorrans.

Dorrans laid on Ness’ winner against Morton and will be making his Dundee derby debut.

Of his quality, Ness added: “He’s played at the highest level for his whole career, really.

“I think we’re very lucky to have him and we’ve got a lot of quality in all the positions really.

“There’s good competition and it’s only going to benefit us in the long run.”