Hartley Demands Dundee Bounce Back

Picture by Jeff Holmes

Paul Hartley is confident his Dundee side will recover in time from their defeat to Hearts as they prepare for a Premiership showdown with Dundee United.

The Dark Blues went down 2-1 to Robbie Neilson's Jambos at the weekend to register their first loss of the new campaign.

It was not the kind of result they wanted to record before making the short trip road to Tannadice for the first derby of the season against Jackie McNamara's men.

But Hartley hopes they will bounce back immediately in their quest to return to winning ways.

He said: "It's always about the next game.

"It's obviously a big one playing Dundee United and hopefully we will learn from our defeat by Hearts.

"We just didn't play in the second half like we did in the first half but it's happened and we have to look ahead.

"It's a quick turnaround but that can hopefully be a good thing.

"The players don't have long to wait and there should be a great atmosphere.

"We hope that can bring out the best in our players because we know what the derby means to everyone.''

Dundee lost the final derby of last season 3-0 at Tannadice having already secured a top-six place.

But the Taysiders are aiming to eclipse last season's achievements as they bid to kick on.

Hartley added: "It's about trying to do better than we did last time round.

"There is an expectation level but we should be looking upon that as a good thing.

"We know we have a good group of players here and we want to do as well as we possibly can this season.

"Our fans have been great since I came to the club and they always get right behind us. So we want to give them our best, too."

Dundee striker Rory Loy is battling to shake off the groin strain which forced him to miss the Hearts defeat.

Midfielder Paul McGowan is free to play but Nicky Low (foot) and Kosta Gadzhalov (shoulder) are doubtful.