Docherty dismisses concerns over Dundee pitch ahead of game

TONY DOCHERTY has dismissed any concerns that Dundee’s cinch Premiership match at home to titlechasing Rangers tomorrow may fall victim to the weather for a second time.

The Dens Park clash was contentiously postponed just 90 minutes ahead of kick- off last month, the fourth time a game at the stadium has been called off this season due to waterlogging.

There were fears Dundee’s 3- 2 defeat at home to Motherwell on Saturday may suffer a similar fate, a scenario that would have caused the SPFL a major headache with little room for manoeuvre before the post- split schedule is announced after this weekend’s round of matches.

The pitch was eventually declared playable despite Motherwell expressing concerns pre- match that the state of the surface placed their players at risk.

Further rain is anticipated in the area on Tuesday and Wednesday, but Dundee are optimistic there will be no issues with hosting Rangers this week.

“No, I don’t,” said Dundee boss Docherty, when asked if he had any concerns.

“All I know is there is a game on Wednesday and my job is to prepare the team for that. That’s all I’m doing and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”

Asked if the rain covers were down on the pitch, Docherty said: “As far as I believe. I’ve just had assurances that the game will go ahead.

“That’s all I know, and that’s all I need to know, that the game will go ahead.

“It’s something I’m not comfortable speaking about because it’s not something I’m qualified in, but you see the way we play, I want the best pitch possible for my team because I think we’ve got a really good footballing side.”