Ross County manager Jim McIntyre knows his players must thwart Dundee’s new-found confidence if the Staggies are to strengthen their grip on seventh place in the Premiership with a victory at Dens Park today.
Dundee have won their first two games under interim manager Neil McCann, who replaced the sacked Paul Hartley last month. The wins have given the Dark Blues breathing space in their efforts to avoid the relegation play-off position.
County have also shown an improvement in form, having gone five matches without defeat, but a home victory today would draw the Tayside men level on 39 points in the race to finish best of the rest.
McIntyre knows confidence is crucial and he expects Dundee’s players to be eager to make an impact in McCann’s first home game in charge.
McIntyre said: “We know we’re going to face a team which has got its confidence back. It is amazing the same group of players can produce results like that. That’s football for you. A positive result can change things. Having looked at their display at Kilmarnock, there is clearly a confidence there that has returned.
“Dundee have got back their mojo and they are playing with more of a spring in their step.
“Dundee didn’t have bad players. They just were on one of those runs every team goes on. They have picked up and got two wins, so it is up to us to ensure they don’t get three.
“The pitch is fantastic. Dens Park and Motherwell’s pitch have been up there with the best in the league, so I’m really looking forward to the match.”
McIntyre is eager to secure seventh place, having moved a point clear of Kilmarnock thanks to last weekend’s 1-0 win at Motherwell.
He added: “We want to try and remain there. We want to keep the unbeaten run going.
“We are confident but it’s hard work that has got us there. It’s not always been the prettiest of games, especially against Motherwell, but we dug in when we were under pressure.
“Equally, we still made some good opportunities to score and we managed to take one and that was the most important thing.”
McIntyre has midfielder Ian McShane available again after he recovered from a groin operation.
