Tony Docherty buoyed by Dundee’s form ahead of Tayside derby

Tony Docherty is encouraged by Dundee’s form going into the home Scottish Gas Scottish Cup tie against neighbours Dundee United on Monday night.

The Dark Blues have lost just once in five Premiership matches – to United – to sit seventh place in the table, two points behind Hibernian.

Moreover, Dundee’s last two games have brought deserved home draws against Rangers and Celtic, a 1-1 tie against the Light Blues followed by a 3-3 draw against the league leaders.

Dundee United are also in fine form this season, sitting third in the table behind the Old Firm and they came out on top when the two sides met on January 2 at the Scot Foam Stadium when a dramatic 88th-minute goal from Sam Dalby gave Jim Goodwin’s men a 2-1 win.

However, Dark Blues boss Docherty is confident ahead of the keenly-awaited tie where a place in the fifth round and bragging rights across the city is up for grabs.

He told Dundee’s official website: “We are looking forward to it.

“We know the nature of the game. It is a huge game and the reason you want to be involved in football at this level.

“I am pleased we’re going into it in good form.

“We know that to progress in the cup, these are the kind of games you need to win.”

Ethan Ingram is also buoyed by recent results ahead of the Tayside derby.

The 21-year-old defender, who joined from West Brom last summer, said: “As players you love big games and want to play in this derby.

“We’re in good form, in a good place as a team.

“There’s no better time for this game to come around for us.”

Docherty will be without Ziyad Larkeche, Scott Fraser, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy, Jordan McGhee and Billy Koumetio through injury.