Hartley keen to keep momentum going

Home win hoodoo lifted as Dee secure second consecutive win and move off the bottom

Dundee boss Paul Hartley insists there will be no let up for his players, even though they have “got the monkey off their backs” by winning in the league for the first time at Dens this season.

The Dark Blues finally broke their home hoodoo with victory over Motherwell on Saturday.

It was the second win in a row following last weekend’s result in Hamilton and now Dundee are off the bottom of the Premiership.

However, Hartley is determined there won’t be any loss of momentum during the international break. He said: “It has been difficult for us at Dens this season not getting a home result.

“We said to the players can we get that monkey off the back and we have done that with a good performance, which was pleasing.

“What a difference the two games make. We all feel better about ourselves going into the break.

“We can enjoy it but we have explained to the players that this week will be a tough week for them in terms of working.

“Overall, the players deserve the credit because of how they’ve worked and the recent criticism they have taken.”

Julen Etxabeguren called off on the morning of the Motherwell game because of a sickness bug while his replacement in the team, Kevin Gomis, had to be substituted in the second half after injuring his shoulder.

It is hoped his injury is not as bad as first feared.

Picture: SNS Group. Defender Kevin Gomis was substituted after suffering a shoulder injury during Dundee’s win against Motherwell at Dens on Saturday.

Dundee boss Paul Hartley said the players are feeling better about themselves going into the international break.