Dundee boss Hartley looking for another Old Firm surprise

A goalless draw may not seem much of a victory, but Dundee’s stalemate against Celtic last weekend was some achievement considering the Hoops had won five games on their own patch.

That point means the Dees look on course to manage a top-half finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Thoughts change from league to cup this weekend but the team bus will be heading west once again to Glasgow.

Rangers are their hosts as they look to book a spot in the last four of the Scottish Cup, a feat for which Paul Hartley’s men are 15/4 to achieve.

But the former Hearts player feels his side have what it takes to cause another surprise and continue the impressive form that has seen them concede just one goal in their last six games.

“We showed against Celtic that we’ve got the personalities, the personnel and the mental strength that’s required,” Hartley told The Courier.

“We were playing against the champions, let’s not forget that.

“The players who went there carried out their jobs in a certain manner so they have got to go and do the same again.

“The key thing on Saturday is handling the atmosphere, handling whatever comes their way. I have total belief in my group that they can perform.”

The ante was upped earlier in the week when captain Gary Harkin riled some of the Rangers fans and former players when referring to the Gers as a “just a new club.”

Old or new club the stats don’t lie when they say that Dundee have lost their last seven visits to Ibrox, last tasting success at the ground back in 2001.

Nevertheless with his side flying at the moment, Paul Hartley seems to believe that he has the squad to end that run and book a spot in the next round.

All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing.