Dark Blues boss hails display as ‘clinical and professional’

Dundee boss Paul Hartley insists he will definitely not be taking anything for granted when his side travel to face Rangers in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup next month.

The Dark Blues will meet Mark Warburton’s side after a clinical fivegoal demolition of Dumbarton in the fifth round replay at Dens last night.

However, while the Premiership outfit will fancy their chances against another Championship side at Ibrox, Hartley admits anything can happen in the cup.

The manager said: “It was professional, clinical and well de served on the night.

“I thought the tempo we started at was what was needed.”

“That was the key thing for us, taking our chances when they came and we could have had a few other goals,” said Hartley.

“The important thing was getting an early goal in the 10minute mark.

“That made us feel more comfortable and some of our play was excellent especially around the edge of the box.

“We were patient in our play and I feel that was a key thing.

“The pleasing thing again for me was another clean sheet .”

He added: “People might see us as favourites (against Rangers) as we are in a different league but it is a cup game and anything can happen.

“We just have to make sure we are ready for our game against Inverness at the weekend. We have a massive week coming up. We do not have a big squad, it is tight.”

Dundee captain Gary Harkins is assured of a “warm” welcome at Ibrox after some tongue-in-cheek comments about the Glasgow side at the weekend.

When asked what Harkins should expect, former Celtic player Hartley said: “I don’t know. A nice, friendly welcome from everybody.

“I think you have to handle the occasion wherever you go. We go to Celtic Park on the Wednesday night and we will have to handle that also.

“When you play in front of a big support you have to show your true character and mentality. We have to handle that as a team, not just one player.”

Sons manager Stevie Aiken claimed a penalty for Christian Nade instead of a booking when he went dow nina challenge with Darren O’Dea at 2-0 might have changed the game.

But he added: “We are disappointed but credit to Dundee, they were ruthless in front of goal. We’ll take it on the chin.”