Response to Celtic hammering will define Dundee’s season – Tony Docherty

Tony Docherty is optimistic Dundee will continue their trend of bouncing back when they get back to action following their 7-1 defeat at Celtic.

The Dark Blues were left reeling after a dispiriting first half at Parkhead after Brendan Rodgers’ side hit six goals.

Docherty’s side have already shown the character to steady the ship from their second-half performance and the Dens Park manager has challenged his players to show their resilience when they host Kilmarnock.

“We have had a good honest chat about it and have identified our role in it,” Docherty said.

“We caught Celtic, in Brendan’s words, on their best performance since his return. We caught Celtic on a night when they were rampant and relentless but we need to take accountability for our part in it.

“But we have done that – you will not find a more honest group of players – and we have moved on from it. It’s important the focus moves to our next game against Kilmarnock.

“As a newly-promoted club – and I have done it twice, I have experience in this league – there are going to be bumps in the road.

“What won’t define our season is a defeat by the Old Firm. What will define our season is our reaction to that.”

Docherty pointed out that they had drawn twice with Killie following both of their earlier defeats by Celtic, and followed defeats by Rangers with two victories.

He added: “Before Wednesday night we were the top scorers outside the Old Firm in the league. The players deserve a lot of credit but we are nowhere near finished.”

Despite the setback in midweek, Dundee remain in sixth spot with the split now in sight.

“It is great to have six games left and four of them are at home,” Docherty said.

“Last couple of games we have won at home and the crowd have played a huge part in that, and I would appeal to them to make sure they are like that again because it’s a tough game against Kilmarnock.”