Dark Blues’ target remains the same – even if safety is ensured, insists McCann

Dundee interim boss Neil McCann insists there will be no easing off against Inverness tomorrow night at Dens – even if his side’s Premiership safety is already assured before kick-off.

With the Dark Blues five points clear of Hamilton in the relegation play-off spot, if Accies lose against Ross County this evening in the Highlands, then Dundee will definitely be playing Premiership football next season.

McCann’s men drew against the Staggies at home on Saturday but the manager is demanding that even if Jim McIntyre’s side do them a favour against Accies, it will not change what he wants from his players against Inverness.

When asked about the possible ramifications of the Hamilton result on Dundee’s match, McCann said: “It doesn’t have any bearing on it.

“It would be nice if we went into the Inverness match in a comfortable position but to be honest as I have said so many times now – and it is probably becoming boring – we are just looking to win every game.

“The lads were really disappointed (after Ross County game). I said to them this morning when I spoke to them that I was pleased in a way by that.

“I was disappointed not getting three points as we set out to do but I was pleased to see them in the dressing room. They were down but it is a different down.

“That says to me how far they have come in a short space of time. They were disappointed that they hadn’t grabbed three points which says a lot about them. So the game coming up on Wednesday night, we are looking for three points. We have set ourselves targets and the targets remain.”

Almost 7,000 fans flocked to Dens on Saturday for what was billed as McCann’s “homecoming” game.

The manager was delighted to see so many in the ground but he admitted the turnout initially sparked some nerves among his players.

He said: “I could see from the side of the pitch that we weren’t playing the way we had before.

“But I wasn’t too animated or upset as I knew it was nerves.

“A big support had rocked up to get behind the team with huge expectations and I could feel a little nervous energy from them.

“It definitely had an effect on our boys. I think once we got a grip of the game around 25 minutes or so, I could see things turning a wee bit.”

Interim boss McCann has been consistent regarding questions about his future and whether he would like the manager’s job on a permanent basis.

However, when asked if he was missing being a pundit on Sky Sports, he smiled and said: “Listen, the message has been pretty constant. I have loved every second of this job but I also love my job at Sky.

“There will be no questions answered on my future until I get us into a position where the target is met – what I have set the guys.”

Neil McCann remains unbeaten after three games in charge.