Dundee boss McCann says a win would be huge ahead of Hamilton clash

Dundee manager Neil McCann knows a win for his side this weekend could be enough to all-but guarantee safety this season.

The Dark Blues host Hamilton at Dens Park on Saturday in a clash that could see one side pull clear of the Ladbrokes Premiership relegation scrap.

Both sides are locked on 33 points, with Partick Thistle four points further back and Ross County on 27 with the two bottom clubs meeting on Friday night.

With just two games to go after this weekend, a win over Accies would put them in a position where only a catastrophic end to the campaign could see them automatically relegated, while Friday's result could have a significant bearing on their destiny.

Despite admitting he will be keeping an eye on that game, McCann is pleased his side remain in control.

"A win would be huge,'' he said. "I have read Martin's (Hamilton boss Canning) comments, saying it would be the biggest game of their season and if they win it's just three teams going into the last couple of games and that it would put them in a very good position, and we are the exact same.

"We will know what is expected on Saturday because the two other sides play each other on Friday night, so we will take that game in.

"It's nice to know what we have got to do. Sometimes it can have a negative effect due to nerves or expectation from fans, but I'm hoping it has a real positive effect on us because you want it in your own hands and when something is in your own hands, if it doesn't happen then you only have yourselves to blame.''

On Friday's match, he added: "Looking at the two teams below us, if I'm honest a draw would be a good result for us but it's irrelevant if we win our game.

"It is irrelevant what happens the night before. We could be in a more comfortable position going into the game knowing it puts us clearer, but all we need to do is take care of our own business.

"The game on Friday night will give us a clearer idea of what is required."

With Thistle and the Staggies still to come this season, Dundee are very much still in control and should secure their Premiership status for next season, but McCann will not rest until it has been confirmed.

"Mathematically it (safety) won't be set in stone,'' he said. "But it would make it very difficult should results go the way that they can.

"If we win three games, we don't need to worry about anything."