Tony Docherty admitted Dundee’s heroics against Rangers were even more remarkable because he had 10 first-team players out.
Under-fire manager Philippe Clement was bemoaning his own selections before the 1-1 draw at Dens Park, but the Dark Blues' issues were even more challenging. Dundee went into the game without the likes of Jordan McGhee, Joe Shaughnessy, Antonio Portales, Billy Koumetio, Ziyad Larkche, Scott Fraser, Charlie Reilly and Lyall Cameron, who fell ill on the morning of the game.
Docherty stated: “I am hugely proud of the players and as everybody knows we had 10 players out through injury. To put the squad together and put in a level of performance against one of the top teams, regarding all the disparity in terms of resources, I couldn’t be more proud. That was such a strong team performance.”
Oluwaseun Adewumi won all the plaudits with his goal and a man of the match performance but Docherty reckons it was a complete team performance with a few unsung heroes thrown in. He included Mexican Cezar Garza who made his debut, with Lyall Cameron ill and Ethan Ingram being asked to play out of position.
The Dundee boss explained: “10 players who would grace any team in the top league. That puts the onus on the ones coming in. I say to them about taking their opportunity but they also must apply themselves
“When you ask Ethan Ingram, who is your right back, to play as your left wing-back, young Lyall Cameron, arguably our best player and young Cesar going into deputise at centre midfield and he puts in that level of performance then that’s a real team spirit and mentality.
“(Scott) Tiffoney got in and did when he needed to and Adewumi showed real quality going forward but don’t forget his defensive contribution to the team. He is learning and contributing as a player. I thought it was a really strong team performance. As manager, I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Docherty’s only disappointment was not winning the game. He reckoned Dundee should have had a penalty for the challenge on Simon Murray in the build-up to Rangers’ equaliser. He believes all the stats showed Dundee were the better team and they must now try and replicate that when Celtic go to Dens Park next week.
Docherty confirmed: “It is important we analyse the game again and see the things we did well. There are loads we did well. I am disappointed we didn’t win the game because our XG was better than Rangers and I thought we controlled the game when they were in possession and I thought we countered them really well. It is all about analysing the game and being ready for the next one.”
